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Depression can affect people of all walks of life, races, genders, and ages. It’s estimated that 21 million Americans have had at least one major depressive episode. Around 30% of people with major depression have what’s called “treatment-resistant depression,” which can make it harder to find a working solution for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
At 2nd Chance Treatment Center, with practice locations in Phoenix and Litchfield Park, Arizona, our team of board-certified psychiatrists offers various treatments for major depression, including treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
4 advanced treatments for major depression
If medications keep failing you and therapy sessions aren’t sufficient, you’ll be relieved to know there are still things you can try. Here’s what we think you should know about advanced treatments available for major depression.
1. Ketamine
Ketamine treatment may be an option for major depression when you haven’t seen improvement with at least two trials of standard antidepressant medications. FDA-approved ketamine treatment is a nasal spray of esketamine, known as Spravato®.
- Pro: This treatment typically offers relief from symptoms within just hours or days
- Con: A few people experience strong disassociation and want to stop treatment
For more information, ask us about ketamine treatment.
2. Transcranial magnetic stimulation
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive treatment that’s FDA-cleared to treat depression. TMS uses magnetic pulses to activate neural transmitters that are usually underactive in people with depression. Repeated treatments can decrease depressive symptoms.
- Pro: TMS treatments typically don’t cause disassociation or other major side effects
- Con: You can’t get TMS treatment if you have epilepsy, seizures, or metal in your head
For more information, ask us about TMS treatment.
3. Psychedelics
There’s a slowly growing interest in psilocybins (mushrooms) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) to treat depression. Microdosing with psychedelics may help combat symptoms of depression by interrupting rumination cycles and improving mood.
- Pro: Microdoses are usually so small they don’t cause major side effects
- Con: There isn’t sufficient research yet to prove how safe or effective psychedelics are
We don’t currently offer psychedelic microdosing.
4. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation requires electrode implantation in specific areas of your brain. The electrodes transmit pulses to stimulate parts of your brain that TMS can’t reach. The pulse generator is implanted under the skin of your chest.
- Pro: DBS has been shown to have a high success rate in very limited studies
- Con: DBS is invasive, and requires both brain and chest wall surgeries
We don’t currently refer patients for DBS.
Combination therapies
Many people get better results from a combination of therapies than from just one therapy. For example, we may use esketamine in conjunction with psychotherapy, or TMS along with an antidepressant medication. We’ll develop a customized treatment plan for you that best addresses your symptoms and generates a positive response.
To learn more about treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) or treatment-resistant depression, call the 2nd Chance Treatment Center location near you, or make an appointment online.