How Latest Depression Treatments Was The Most Talked About Trend In 2024
Latest Depression Treatments
If your depression doesn't improve with antidepressants and psychotherapy new medications that work quickly may be able to treat depression resistant to treatment.
SSRIs also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed and well-known antidepressants. They alter how the brain processes serotonin which is an important chemical messenger.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, assists you in changing negative thoughts and behavior such as despair. The NHS offers 8 to 16 sessions.
1. Esketamine
In March 2019 the FDA approved a brand new nasal spray for depression called esketamine. (Brand name Spravato). It is derived from the anesthetic the ketamine. This has been shown to be effective in severe depression. The nasal spray can be used alongside an oral antidepressant to treat depression that has not responded to standard medications. In one study, 70% of people suffering from treatment resistant depression who were given this drug were able to respond well, which is a significantly higher response rate than just using an oral antidepressant.
Esketamine is different from conventional antidepressants. It raises levels of naturally occurring chemicals in the brain, known as neurotransmitters. They transmit messages between brain cells. The results aren't immediate. Patients typically feel a little better after a couple of days but the effects last for a longer time than with SSRIs or SNRIs, which may take weeks to months to begin to show effects.
Researchers believe that esketamine reduces symptoms of depression by enhancing brain cell connections. In animal studies, esketamine reversed these connections which are weakened due to depression and stress. Additionally, it appears to promote the growth of neurons that can help to reduce suicidal ideas and feelings.
Esketamine is distinct from other antidepressants because it is delivered by nasal spray. This allows it to get into your bloodstream more quickly than oral or pill medication. The drug has been found to reduce depression symptoms within a matter of hours, and in certain individuals, the effects are almost immediately.
However the results of a recent study that followed patients over 16 weeks found that not all patients who began treatment with esketamine remained in remission. This is disappointing, but it's not surprising according to Dr. Amit A. Anand an expert in ketamine who was not part of the study.
At present, esketamine is only available through a clinical trial program or in private practice. It isn't considered a first-line treatment option for depression and is typically prescribed only when SSRIs or SNRIs haven't worked for a person with treatment-resistant depression. The doctor can determine whether the condition is not responding to treatment, and then determine whether esketamine may be beneficial.
2. TMS
TMS employs magnetic fields in order to stimulate brain nerve cells. It is noninvasive, does not require anesthesia or surgery and has been proven to improve depression in people who are not responding to medication or psychotherapy. It is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and tinnitus.
TMS treatment for depression is usually given in a series 36 daily treatments spread over six weeks. The magnetic pulses feel similar to pinpricks placed on the scalp and could be a little difficult to get used to. depression treatment services are able to return to work or home after a treatment session. Depending on the stimulation pattern used and the stimulation pattern used, each TMS session can last between 3.5 and 20 minutes.
Scientists believe that rTMS changes the way that neurons communicate. This process, known as neuroplasticity allows the brain create new connections and alter its functions.
TMS is FDA approved for treating depression in cases when other treatments like talk therapy and medication have not worked. It has also proven to be effective in treating tinnitus as well as OCD. Researchers are examining whether it could be used to treat Parkinson's disease.
TMS has been shown to improve depression in several studies, but not everyone who receives it benefits. It is important that you undergo a thorough psychiatric and medical evaluation prior to beginning this kind of treatment. If you have any history of seizures or are taking certain medications, TMS might not be suitable for you.
If you've been struggling with depression and aren't getting the benefits from your current treatment plan, a chat with your psychiatrist might be beneficial. You may be a suitable candidate to try 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 an appointment if you're interested in learning more. Our experts can guide you through the process of determining whether TMS is the right option for you.
3. Deep stimulation of the brain
A non-invasive therapy that rewires the brain circuitry could be efficient in just one week for those suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Researchers have come up with new methods that allow them to deliver high-dose electromagnetic pulses to the brain in a shorter time and at a frequency that is more suitable for patients.
Stanford neuromodulation therapy, which is now available in the Advanced Psychiatric Therapeutics Clinic at the UC Davis Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, uses MRI images to guide electrodes to send magnetic pulses into specific brain regions. In a recent study, Mitra and Raichle discovered that in three-quarters (75%) of patients who suffer from depression, the typical flow of neural activity from the anterior cingulate cortex to the posterior insula was reversed. SNT returned that flow back to normal within a few days, and it was perfectly timed with the easing of depression.
A more in-depth procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) can produce similar results in some patients. After a series of tests to determine the most appropriate location, neurosurgeons insert one or more wires, referred to as leads, in the brain. The leads are connected to a neurostimulator implanted under the collarbone, which looks like a heart pacemaker. The device is able to deliver an uninterrupted electric current through the leads. This alters the brain’s natural circuitry, reducing depression symptoms.
Some psychotherapy treatments like cognitive behavior therapy and inter-personal therapy, can also help alleviate depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can take place in an environment of group or one-onone sessions with a mental healthcare professional. Some psychotherapists provide telehealth.
Antidepressants are a key component of treatment for depression, but in recent times there have been some remarkable improvements in how quickly these medications can work to alleviate depression 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, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or repetitive transcranial magnet stimulation (rTMS) utilize electric or magnetic stimuli to stimulate the brain. These are more complicated procedures that require a doctor's supervision. In some instances, they could cause seizures or other serious adverse side effects.
4. Light therapy
Bright light therapy involves 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). Research has shown that bright light therapy can help reduce symptoms such as sadness and fatigue by boosting mood and regulating circadian rhythm patterns. It can also help those who suffer with depression that is not a continuous one.
Light therapy works by mimicking sunlight, a key element of the biological clock referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The SCN is associated with mood, and light therapy can rewire circadian rhythm patterns which can trigger depression. Light can also reduce Melatonin levels and help restore the function of neurotransmitters.
Some doctors are also using light therapy to treat a less severe form of depression referred to as winter blues. It's similar to SAD but is less common and only occurs in the months when there is less daylight. They suggest sitting in front of a light therapy box every morning for 30 minutes while awake to reap the most benefits. Light therapy results are seen in the space of a week, unlike antidepressants that can take weeks to kick in and may cause negative side effects, such as nausea or weight gain. It's also safe to use during pregnancy and for older adults.
Researchers advise against using light therapy under the supervision of a mental health professional or psychiatrist, because it can trigger manic episodes for people with bipolar disorders. It could also make people feel tired during the first week of treatment because it could alter their sleep-wake patterns.
PCPs should be aware of the new treatments that have been approved by the FDA However, they shouldn't neglect tried-and-true methods such as antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy. "The search for more effective and innovative treatments is exciting, but we should continue to focus on the most well-established treatments," Dr. Hellerstein tells Healio. He suggests PCPs must educate their patients about the benefits of new treatments as well as help them stick with their treatment plans. This can include offering transportation to their doctor's office or setting reminders to take medications and attend therapy sessions.