Managing treatment-resistant depression can be difficult, but you are not alone. A treatment plan can help you overcome your condition and connect with others who have had the same problems. Learn more about the various medications and therapy options available to you. Also, consider joining a support group, where you can discuss your concerns and learn from their experiences. You may even find yourself in the company of people facing similar struggles. You may find it helpful to talk with a psychologist to discuss the options available for you.
Treatment Of Treatment-Resistant Depression
The term 'treatment-resistant depression' defies a unified
definition. Mental health professionals agree that this condition is clinically
significant only when patients have not responded to at least two trials of an
antidepressant. This condition is particularly difficult to diagnose due to
differences in the meaning of the term "treatment response" across
research settings. This article examines the diagnosis and treatment options
for this patient population. Its importance in the treatment of depression is
highlighted.
Many of the causes of treatment-resistant depression are
beyond the patient's control. It may be because of a genetic predisposition to
depression, a faulty diet, or not taking medications as prescribed. It may also
be that a depressive disorder is hereditary, and certain genes may render
certain medications ineffective. To avoid this, it is necessary to follow your
doctor's recommendations closely. Fortunately, there are many treatment options
available for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Esketamine
The use of esketamine for treatment resistant depression may
be a viable option for individuals who are struggling with the symptoms of
depression. The drug was approved by the FDA in June 2017. However, there are
some important caveats to consider when using it. Most psychiatrists aren't
comfortable administering this medication. For instance, it has been linked to
serious side effects in the past. For this reason, it is recommended that
psychiatrists undergo thorough training and undergo adequate supervision when
administering this medication.
In one study, esketamine reduced MADRS scores by up to four
points. However, a re-analysis of phase III short-term studies showed no
significant difference between esketamine and placebo on day 28. In addition,
the trials used two different methods to compare esketamine with placebo. Only
one of the comparisons revealed a significant difference between the two
treatments at day 28.
Lisdexamfetamine
One of the most important precautions to take when taking
Lisdexamfetamine for treatment-resistant depression is to notify your doctor if
you experience any unexpected side effects. This medicine may cause heart
problems and may cause sudden death in children and adults. You must notify
your doctor if you experience irregular heart beat, fainting, or have high
blood pressure. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should cease
taking Lisdexamfetamine immediately.
Various studies have examined the effects of
Lisdexamfetamine on depression. Some showed a positive effect, but others did
not. Four studies involving patients with treatment-resistant depression found
that lisdexamfetamine did not improve symptoms. Despite the challenges
associated with this condition, a personalized treatment plan can help you cope
with your condition. You can also connect with other people who are facing
similar challenges to your own.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
If your depression is resistant to various forms of
treatment, you might want to try cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy involves concrete goals and working to understand
how certain thoughts and behaviors can contribute to depression. This form of
therapy is effective in treating treatment-resistant depression, but it should
not be the only approach. There are many other options to try, including
switching to a different therapist or using a different approach to therapy.
For research purposes, we used two types of studies:
meta-analysis studies and randomized controlled trials. We looked for studies
that used cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy.
We excluded studies that were non-randomized, literature reviews, and that were
not related to cognitive-behavioral therapy. Furthermore, we excluded studies
that used any type of therapy other than CBT.