Latest Depression Treatments

The positive side is that if your depression doesn't improve after psychotherapy and antidepressants, the latest fast-acting medications are promising for treating treatment-resistant depression.

SSRIs are the most popular and well-known antidepressants. They work by altering the way that the brain processes serotonin.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change negative thoughts and behavior, such as hopelessness. It is available on the NHS for 8 to 16 sessions.

1. Esketamine

The FDA approved a new treatment for depression in March 2019 nasal spray known as esketamine (brand name Spravato). It is made from the anesthetic ketamine, which has been shown to be effective in cases of severe of depression. The nasal spray is used in conjunction with an oral antidepressant to treat depression that has not responded to standard medications. In one study 70% of patients with treatment resistant depression who were given this drug did well - a greater response rate than taking an oral antidepressant.

Esketamine is different from conventional antidepressants. It increases levels of naturally occurring chemical in the brain, referred to as neurotransmitters. They transmit messages between brain cells. The results are not immediate. Patients typically feel a little better after a few days but the effects last much longer than with SSRIs or SNRIs, which can take weeks to months to show results.

Researchers believe that esketamine reduces depression symptoms through strengthening connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections which are weakened due to depression and stress. It also seems to promote the growth of neurons that can decrease suicidal feelings and thoughts.

Esketamine differs from other antidepressants in that it is delivered by nasal spray. This allows it to get into your bloodstream faster than pill or oral medication. It has been proven to reduce depression symptoms within hours, and in certain people the effects are instantaneous.

However, the results of a study that tracked patients for 16 weeks showed that not everyone who started best treatment for depression with esketamine remained in remission. This is disappointing but not unexpected, according to Dr. Amit Anand, an expert on ketamine who was not involved in the study.

Esketamine is only available in private practice or clinical trials. Esketamine is not a first-line treatment for depression. It is prescribed when SSRIs and SNRIs fail to help a patient suffering from treatment-resistant depressive disorder. The doctor will determine if the disorder is resistant to treatment and then decide whether esketamine could be beneficial.

2. TMS

TMS utilizes magnetic fields to stimulate neurons in the brain. It is non-invasive, doesn't require surgery or anesthesia and has been proven to reduce depression in those who are not responding to psychotherapy or medication. It can also be used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tinnitus.

For depression, TMS therapy is typically delivered as a series of daily treatments over six weeks. The magnetic pulses feel like a series of pinpricks on the scalp and can take a bit of getting used to. After the treatment, patients are able to return to work or go home. Each TMS session lasts between 3.5 minutes and 20 minutes, based on the stimulation pattern.

Researchers believe that rTMS works by changing the way neurons communicate with each other. This process, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to form new connections and to alter its functions.

Presently, TMS is FDA-cleared to treat depression when other therapies such as talk therapy and medication, haven't worked. It has also been proven to help people with tinnitus, OCD and pain. And scientists are exploring whether it could be used to treat anxiety and Parkinson's disease.

TMS has been shown to improve depression and anxiety treatment near me in a number studies, but not everyone who receives it will benefit. It is crucial to undergo a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation before trying this kind of treatment. If you have an history of seizures or are taking certain medications, TMS might not be right for you.

A conversation with your doctor could be beneficial if you are experiencing recurrent depression treatment - look here, but aren't getting any benefit from your current treatment. You may be eligible for an TMS trial or other forms neurostimulation. However, you must first try several antidepressants before your insurance will cover the cost. Contact us today to set up a consultation If you're interested in knowing more. Our specialists will guide you in deciding if TMS treatment is the right one for you.

3. Deep brain stimulation

A noninvasive therapy that resets the brain circuitry could be efficient in just one week for those suffering from treatment resistant depression. Researchers have devised new methods that permit them to deliver high-dose magnetic pulses to the brain in a shorter period of time and on a schedule that is more adaptable for patients.

Stanford neuromodulation therapy, which is currently available in the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, uses MRI images to direct electrodes to send magnetic impulses to targeted areas of the brain. In a study conducted recently, Mitra and Raichle found that in three-quarters of patients with depression, the usual flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex to the posterior insula was disrupted. SNT restored that flow to normal within a couple of days, coinciding perfectly with the lifting of depression.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS), an even more extensive procedure, can produce similar results in certain patients. After a series of tests to determine the optimal location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, called leads, in the brain. The leads are connected to a nerve stimulator implanted beneath the collarbone, which appears to be a heart-pacemaker. The device is able to deliver an ongoing electric current through the leads. This alters the brain's natural treatment depression anxiety circuitry, which reduces depression symptoms.

Some psychotherapy treatments may also help alleviate depression symptoms, such as cognitive therapy for behavioral disorders and interpersonal therapy. Psychotherapy can be delivered in one-on-one sessions with an expert in mental health or in a group setting. Some therapists also offer the option of telehealth services.

Antidepressants remain the primarystay of depression treatment. In recent times, however, there have been some notable improvements in the speed at which they can relieve symptoms of depression. Newer drugs, such as gepirone (Exxua), esketamine (Spravato), brexanolone (Zulresso) and dextromethorphan-bupropion (Auvelity), all have been shown to work faster than older antidepressants.

Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) utilize magnetic or electric stimuli to stimulate the brain. These are more complex procedures that require the supervision of a doctor. In some instances, they could cause seizures or other serious side effects.

4. Light therapy

Bright light therapy consists of sitting or standing in front of a bright light source. This treatment has been utilized for many years to treat seasonal depression as well as major depressive disorder (SAD). Research has shown that bright light therapy can help reduce symptoms such as sadness and fatigue by boosting mood and regulating circadian rhythms. It can also help those who suffer with depression that is not a continuous one.

Light therapy works by mimicking sunlight, a key element of the biological clock called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is linked to mood, and lighttherapy can alter the patterns of circadian rhythms that can cause depression. In addition, light can lower melatonin levels, and restore the functioning of neurotransmitters.

Some doctors employ light therapy to treat winter blues. This is a milder version of depression that is similar to SAD but is more common and occurs during the seasons when there is the least amount light. They recommend sitting in the light therapy device each morning for 30 minutes while awake to get the maximum benefits. Light therapy results are seen in the space of a week, unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in and may trigger adverse effects like nausea or weight gain. It is also safe for pregnant women as well as older adults.

However, some research experts warn that one should not try light therapy without the guidance of psychiatrists or a mental health professional because it could cause a manic episode in those with bipolar disorder. Some people may feel tired in the first week because light therapy can alter their sleep-wake patterns.

PCPs should be aware of the new treatments that have been approved by the FDA However, they shouldn't overlook tried-and-true techniques like antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Hellerstein told Healio that while the search for better and newer treatments is exciting, we should focus on the most proven treatments. He says that PCPs should be focusing on informing their patients on the benefits of new options and helping patients adhere to their treatment plans. This may include providing transportation to the doctor's office or establishing reminders for patients to take their medications and attend therapy sessions.