Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) triggers when major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment does not work.
It meansdifferent treatmentsmust be tried to find what works for that individual.
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
What Causes Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Illustration by Julie Bang for Verywell Health
How Is It Diagnosed?
TRD isn’t necessarily adiagnosisand typically isn’t labeled as such by healthcare providers in your chart.
Why Dont Antidepressants Always Work?
Rates vary depending on the study, but approximately 30% of people withMDDexperience TRD.
TRD affects about 1.1% of the general U.S. adult population.
If the first prescribed medication is insufficient, switching to another class of antidepressants may prove effective.
As with medication, some psychotherapy models may work well for a person, while others are less effective.
Trying different types of psychotherapy may be necessary to find a fit.
Psychotherapy may be helpful when addressing comorbid conditions along with depression.
It runs from the brain, through the face and thorax, to the abdomen.
It’s believed thatstimulating the vagus nervealters certain networks of the brain, which can treat psychiatric problems.
This system sends electrical signals to the vagus nerve.
For some people, this treatment shows a quick response.
For others, effects start to emerge after about three months of treatment.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)is an established, effective treatment for TRD.
It is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
For effective TMS treatment, daily sessions are typically required for three to six weeks at a time.
Remission after TMS treatment happens in 30% to 40% of cases.
Alternative Treatments
Promising treatments for TRD are currently being studied.
Studies on treatment with folic acid are being conducted.
Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Makinghealthy lifestyle choicescan help you feel better physically and mentally.
Don’t be afraid to ask your healthcare provider or mental health professional questions.
Let your healthcare provider know if you don’t think something is doable for you.
Once a plan is in place, follow it as directed.
Your healthcare provider can give you an idea of how long you could expect to wait to see results.
If you haven’t noticed an improvement within that time frame,check back in with your healthcare provider.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
Despite the name, TRD is treatable; it’s just a matter of finding which treatment works.
TRD may be treated with measures such as medication,psychotherapy, vagus nerve stimulation, andECT.
More treatments for TRD are currently being studied.
Depression can be a debilitating condition.
Together, it’s possible for you to discover the best treatment option that works for you.
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