/assets/images/provider/photos/2781437.jpeg)
When Does Depression Officially Become Treatment-Resistant?
When it comes to depression treatment, success is not always immediate. Many patients respond well to standard therapies, such as antidepressants or psychotherapy.
However, for some, finding relief becomes much more complex, and the condition seems to defy all conventional approaches. We call this treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition in which patients don’t experience significant improvement even after trying multiple avenues of treatment.
At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Karen Giles and Dr. Cecilia Kwong specialize in helping patients with this challenging diagnosis through innovative, personalized approaches.
What constitutes treatment-resistant depression?
Treatment-resistant depression differs from other types of depression in that standard treatments fail to alleviate persistent symptoms.
Over 40% of people with depression may experience TRD. Standard treatments often include talk therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy combined with medications such as antidepressants. Though many find relief through these means, TRD occurs when these options don't work.
The root cause of depression is often multifaceted, involving several underlying factors, including brain chemical imbalances, genetic predisposition, and trigger events like traumatic experiences or ongoing health concerns.
Because there’s no universal cause of depression, treatments can vary significantly in their effectiveness from one individual to another.
When depression officially becomes TRD
Diagnosing treatment-resistant depression requires careful consideration of your medical and treatment history. Typically,
1. Two or more antidepressant trials have failed
If you have tried at least two different medications — at their optimal doses and for a sufficient duration — without significant results, you may have TRD.
2. Therapeutic interventions are unsuccessful
Non-medication treatments like CBT or other forms of psychotherapy also fail to provide improvement.
3. Symptoms persist despite combination treatments
If you’ve tried therapy and medications in tandem without relief, this could indicate TRD.
4. Depression significantly impairs daily functioning
If depression is affecting your relationships, work, or daily activities despite exhaustive treatment attempts, it reinforces a TRD diagnosis.
The good news is that there’s hope. At Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions, we’re dedicated to finding advanced, effective solutions for individuals facing this persistent challenge.
How we treat TRD at Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions
Dr. Giles and Dr. Kwong use cutting-edge therapies that help break through treatment-resistant depression. Here are some of the highly effective solutions we offer:
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate the specific areas of your brain that regulate mood. This noninvasive technique can improve mood in people whose brain activity is the root cause of their depressive symptoms.
With TMS, you undergo a series of sessions in our office. You sit comfortably while the electromagnetic coil we place over your head delivers precise, painless pulses to targeted regions of your brain.
TMS is a safe and effective treatment with minimal side effects.
2. IV Ketamine therapy
Ketamine is an anesthetic with powerful antidepressant effects. By targeting glutamate, a key neurotransmitter in the brain, ketamine helps rebuild connections in areas affected by depression.
We administer ketamine intravenously, so it works quickly, often providing relief within hours or days — a stark contrast to traditional antidepressants, which can take weeks to show results.
3. Spravato® (esketamine nasal spray)
Spravato is another breakthrough treatment approved by the FDA for patients with TRD. This refined form of ketamine works rapidly to increase neuroplasticity. Unlike intravenous ketamine, Spravato is a nasal spray you self-administer under our medical supervision. You use it in combination with an oral antidepressant to enhance its efficacy.
Why choose Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions?
What sets Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions apart is our patient-centered approach. Dr. Giles and Dr. Kwong specialize in innovative, evidence-based treatments designed to tackle even the most challenging cases of depression. Our primary goal is to restore hope and improve the quality of life for those who feel stuck in their depression despite trying multiple therapies.
If you or a loved one is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, you don't have to face it alone. Call Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Sandy Springs or Alpharetta, Georgia, today to schedule a consultation and explore our advanced options for overcoming TRD.