10 Places To Find Latest Depression Treatments
Latest Depression Treatments
If your depression treatment techniques doesn't get better through psychotherapy and antidepressants, new drugs that act quickly may be able to treat depression that is resistant to treatment.
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are the most frequently prescribed and well-known antidepressants. They work by altering how the brain processes serotonin as an important chemical messenger.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps you change negative thoughts and behavior such as despair. It's available on the NHS for 8 to 16 sessions.
1. Esketamine
The FDA approved the new treatment for depression in March of 2019 nasal spray known as esketamine (brand name Spravato). It is created from the anesthetic drug ketamine that has been proven to be effective in cases of severe of depression. The nasal spray is applied in conjunction with an oral antidepressant to treat depression that isn't responding to standard medications. In one study 70% of patients suffering from treatment resistant depression who were given this drug responded well - a much greater response rate than using an oral antidepressant.
Esketamine differs from standard antidepressants. It increases levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters. These chemicals transmit messages between brain cells. The results don't come immediately. Patients generally feel better after a couple of days, but the effects last for a longer time than SSRIs or SNRIs, which may take weeks to months to take effect.
Researchers believe that esketamine helps alleviate depression symptoms by enhancing the connections between brain cells. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections that are damaged due to depression and stress. In addition, it seems to promote the development of neurons that help reduce suicidal thoughts and feelings.
Another reason esketamine stands out from other antidepressants is the fact that it is administered via an nasal spray that allows it to get into the bloodstream faster than pills or oral medication can. The drug has been proven in studies to lessen depression symptoms within a couple of hours. In certain instances the effects can be almost immediate.
A recent study that followed patients for 16 weeks revealed that not all patients who began treatment with esketamine were actually in remission. This is a bit disappointing, but not surprising according to Dr. Amit A. Anand an expert in ketamine treatment For depression; Yogicentral.science, who was not part of the study.
For now, esketamine is only available through a clinical trial program or in private practice. Esketamine isn't a first-line option to treat depression. It is prescribed when SSRIs and SNRIs fail to work for a patient with treatment-resistant depression. A patient's doctor can determine if the condition is refractory to treatment and discuss whether it is possible to use esketamine for treatment.
2. TMS
TMS employs magnetic fields to stimulate brain nerve cells. It is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia or surgery. It has been proven to aid people suffering from depression who have not responded to medication or psychotherapy. It's also been used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
For depression, TMS therapy is typically given as a series of daily treatments spread over six weeks. The magnetic pulses are similar to pinpricks that are placed on the scalp, and may be a little difficult to get used to. After an appointment, patients can return to work or go home. Based on the type of stimulation used and the stimulation pattern used, each TMS session can last between 3.5 and 20 minutes.
Scientists believe that rTMS changes the ways that neurons communicate. This process, referred to as neuroplasticity allows the brain form new connections and to modify its function.
TMS is FDA approved to treat depression in situations that other treatments such as medications and talk therapy have not worked. It has also proven to be effective in treating tinnitus and OCD. Researchers are also investigating the possibility of using it to treat Parkinson's and anxiety.
TMS has been proven to help with depression in numerous studies, but not everyone who receives it benefits. Before beginning this treatment, it is important to undergo a thorough mental and medical evaluation. TMS is not for you if you have a history or a history of certain medications.
A visit to your doctor may be beneficial if suffering from depression, but are not getting any benefit from the treatment you are currently receiving. You may be a candidate for a trial of TMS or other forms of neurostimulation however, you must test various antidepressants before insurance coverage can cover the cost. Contact us today to set up a consultation If you're interested in knowing more. Our specialists will guide you through the process of deciding if TMS treatment is right for you.
3. Deep brain stimulation
For those suffering from treatment-resistant depression A non-invasive treatment that resets brain circuitry can be effective within less than a week. Researchers have developed new methods that deliver high-dose electromagnetic waves to the brain more quickly and on a schedule that is more manageable for patients.
Stanford neuromodulation therapy (SNT), which is now offered at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences' Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic makes use of MRI imaging to guide electrodes that send magnetic pulses to specific brain regions. In a recent research, Mitra & Raichle found in three quarters of patients with depression the normal flow of neural activity was disrupted, shifting from the anterior cortex to the anterior isola. SNT returned that flow to normal within a couple of days, which coincided perfectly with the easing of their depression.
A more invasive procedure called deep brain stimulation (DBS) can yield similar results in some patients. After a series of tests to determine the optimal location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, known as leads, into the brain. The leads are connected to an electrical stimulation device, which is placed beneath the collarbone. It appears like a pacemaker. The device delivers continuous electrical current to the leads which alters the brain's circuitry and reduces depression symptoms.
Certain psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and inter-personal therapy can also help with depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can be offered in one-on-one sessions with an expert in mental health, or in a group setting. Some therapists offer telehealth.
Antidepressants are a key component of treatment for depression. However, in recent years there have been significant advances in how quickly these medications can work to lift depressive symptoms. 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 treatments employ electric or magnetic stimulation to stimulate the brain, for example electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These are more complex procedures that need to be performed under a physician's care. In some cases they can cause seizures or other serious adverse effects.
4. Light therapy
Bright light therapy consists of sitting or standing in front of an artificially bright light source. This treatment has been utilized for many years to treat seasonal depression and major depressive disorder (SAD). Studies have shown that it can relieve symptoms like fatigue and sadness by controlling the circadian rhythms and boosting mood. It can also help those suffering with dementia depression treatment that is not a continuous one.
Light therapy works by mimicking sunlight, which is a major component of the biological clock known as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is linked to mood and light therapy may change the patterns of circadian rhythms that may contribute to depression. Light can also reduce Melatonin levels and help restore the function of neurotransmitters.
Some doctors utilize light therapy to combat winter blues. This is a milder type of depression that is similar to SAD however it is more common and is most prevalent in the seasons when there is the least amount of sunlight. They suggest sitting in front of a light therapy box each morning for 30 minutes while awake to gain the maximum benefit. Contrary to antidepressants, which may take weeks to begin working and often cause side effects such as nausea or weight gain, light therapy can produce results in just one week. It is also safe for pregnant women as well as older adults.
However, some research experts warn that one should not experiment with light therapy without the guidance of psychiatrists or a mental health professional, as it could cause a manic episode for people with bipolar disorder. Some people may experience fatigue during the first week, as light therapy can reset their sleep-wake cycle.
PCPs must be aware of new treatments that have been approved by the FDA. However they shouldn't dismiss traditional methods such as 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 PCPs must educate their patients about the advantages of new treatments and aid them in sticking with their best treatment for depression plans. This could include arranging transportation to the doctor's office or establishing reminders for patients to take their medications and attend therapy sessions.