This Week's Top Stories Concerning Advanced Depression Treatment
Advanced Depression Treatment
If your depression doesn't respond to a first-line antidepressant your doctor might suggest increasing the dose or adding another type of medication. They may also recommend psychotherapy.
Newer psychotherapy methods like augmented depression therapy have empirical evidence-based support and can help reduce depression symptoms. These treatments focus on identifying and resolving the specific ways depression affects your daily activities.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
A form of non-invasive brain stimulation, TMS employs magnetic impulses to influence the brain cells responsible for mood. It is typically used to treat depression when medication fails or isn't suitable for the person. It can also be used to treat PTSD and is often combined with psychotherapy. TMS is an effective and safe treatment with no significant negative side negative effects.
During the session, a healthcare professional will position an electromagnetic coil on your scalp to the brain region that controls your mood. In the case of rTMS, this is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dLPFC). It is a small region that is located in front of your head. You will hear a click sound and feel a tapping sensation as the device delivers signals to your brain. The healthcare professional will adjust settings to stimulate desired areas of the brain.
The healthcare professional will determine the intensity of the pulses using how much energy is required to induce a thumb twitch. This is crucial, since it lets them know the amount of power they are using to ensure patient safety. In the past, pulses were administered at 120% of the motor threshold. However, current research is focused on accelerating TMS therapy to reduce the treatment length and improve response rates.
Researchers have proven in a randomized controlled trial that TMS can help people with MDD who do not respond well to antidepressants. The study showed that those treated with rTMS experienced significant improvements in symptoms like sadness and low mood, changes in appetite and decreased enthusiasm or enjoyment in activities. The study also showed improvements that lasted for a long period of.
TMS is not like other forms of brain stimulation like vagus nerve stimulator. It does not interfere with psychotherapy. It is safe for women who are pregnant and has a low chance of seizure. However, some people can experience pain or discomfort on their scalp under the magnet during the treatment.
depression treatment breakthroughs www.iampsychiatry.com for about half an hour. The doctor will inform you of the length of the treatment and may also pause the pulses to allow the magnet to cool.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
VNS (also known as Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy) is an option for treatment that sends timed electrical signals to change brain wave patterns and reduce depression symptoms. This is a surgically implanted device that uses a small pulse generator that is connected to a wire which is wrapped beneath the skin and wrapped around the left vagus nerve of the neck. The procedure is FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression in people who have not received relief from other treatments such as psychotherapy or medication. It is also approved for seizure control in certain epileptic patients.
In the most comprehensive clinical study of VNS researchers compared the effectiveness against an sham device for patients who had treatment-resistant monopolar or depressed-phase bipolar disorder. Patients in the VNS group received a low, medium or high dose of electrical stimulation during an 22-week "acute phase." The primary endpoint was changes in the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR30). Patients in the VNS groups showed improvement significantly more than those in the sham group. After a 12-month follow-up participants in the VNS group had an average IDS-SR30 score of 9.3 points, while those in the group of sham had a score of 4.2 points.
The VNS therapy was well tolerated and the most frequent side effects being voice alteration or hoarseness, as well as a feeling of weight on the chest. Other reported side effects included the feeling of tingling, headache fatigue, fatigue and changes in speech or swallowing. Certain of these adverse effects occurred more frequently in the higher dose groups whereas others occurred at all doses. The frequency of AEs was similar to those seen in other studies, and they were typically resolved by the end of the acute study period.
Psychiatrists from Ohio State Wexner Medical Center are regularly invited to participate in national discussions about the best method to treat mood disorders and depression. Our experts help shape national standards of health treatment. We are also a site for an international clinical trial, called RECOVER, which is being conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The aim of this study is to examine VNS for treatment-resistant depression. This is a significant research effort, as the evidence available now suggests that VNS could provide better benefits and hope for this difficult-to-treat chronic patient.
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
ECT is a highly effective treatment for depression that isn't improving by taking medication. It is particularly helpful for those who are suicidal, or can't wait for their medication to start working.
During the ECT procedure doctors send tiny electric currents through the brain to intentionally trigger an immediate seizure. This seems to change brain chemical structure and speedily improve symptoms of certain mental health conditions. ECT has been in use since the 1930s. Despite the stigma attached to the treatment, it has helped many people.
Your psychiatrist will need to conduct a thorough mental evaluation before making a recommendation for ECT. They will review your medical records and perform several tests, including an electrocardiogram, blood tests and possibly an X-ray of your chest. They will also inquire about your thoughts about having ECT and consider any views from family members, friends, or advocates who are supporting or advocating for you.
The ECT treatment is given when you're asleep under general anesthesia, which means you won't feel any pain during the procedure. A mouthguard protects your teeth, while masks protect your face to supply oxygen. The anesthesiologist injects Anesthetic using a needle in your vein. After you have fallen asleep, electrodes are placed on one side or both of your head depending on whether you're receiving unilateral or bilateral ECT. These electrical pulses send tiny impulses to the brain, which triggers an instant seizure. It only lasts 20 to 60 seconds and you'll are awake shortly after it's over.
You are able to revoke your consent to ECT at any time prior to the first treatment. You have a right to revoke your consent under the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and your doctor should always take your wishes into consideration when deciding whether or not to make use of ECT.
ECT can be a beneficial treatment option for people who tried other treatments but failed to notice any improvement. It can also assist with mild depression, severe psychosis or when you're a danger to yourself or others and you are unable to wait for medication effects to take effect. In the majority of instances, you'll need undergo several ECT sessions spread over three to six weeks.
Light therapy
Light therapy helps to compensate for the absence of sunlight. This is a factor that could contribute to seasonal affective disorder (formerly known as major depressive disorder). It can be used as a standalone treatment or to complement other treatments, such as psychotherapy and medication. In light therapy you are seated next to the light box, which emits white light with bright colors. The light usually has between 10,000 and 2,500 lux. In each session, you'll sit for 30 minutes in front of the lamp. The light can help improve your mood and alleviate symptoms of SAD such as being tired all the time and a sleepy night.
Researchers don't yet know how light therapy can treat SAD. However, they know that it has an effect on the circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms impact sleep patterns, hormones and other functions. Light therapy can reset your internal clock by altering the release of melatonin, a chemical that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. It also affects neurotransmitter functions by altering the serotonin production.
A number of studies have proven that light therapy improves depression symptoms and enhances the effectiveness of antidepressant medication. Several studies have also shown that light therapy can be used to treat bipolar disorder. These findings are encouraging and suggest that light therapy could be an option for people who suffer from bipolar and depression disorder.
Speak to your physician or a mental health professional prior to you begin using light therapy. They can help you find the best device for your needs, and provide instructions on how to use it. They can also inform you if it interacts with other medications you're taking.
Light therapy is a safe treatment that does not cause any negative side effects. It is best to only take it if your doctor prescribes. It is crucial to seek treatment as quickly as you can if suffering from severe depression. Depression is a serious condition and it can result in grave consequences for your emotional and physical well-being. In extreme cases, it could cause thoughts of suicide. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, seek help immediately from a mental health professional.