Cutting-Edge Depression Treatments
Many people suffering from depression have trouble finding the appropriate medication in the right dose to see tangible results. New therapies could offer hope to those who have resisted treatment.
These include ECT, repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS), Psilocybin nasal spray or esketamine assisted therapy. These cutting-edge treatments have shown positive results in patients whose depression symptoms don't improve with medication or talk therapy.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
The non-invasive brain stimulation treatment of TMS targets depression by stimulating the areas that regulate mood. This depression treatment is an alternative to antidepressant medications and has been proven to work for people who have not been able to respond to conventional medications. The TMS device emits magnetic pulses that are taken up by the brain and activate nerve cells in the prefrontal cortex, the part that is responsible for depression and other mental health disorders.
The pulses trigger the brain to release neurotransmitters naturally that improve your mood and energy levels, thereby providing relief from depression. It does not interfere with your ability to interact or function like medication. Additionally, TMS can be used alongside psychotherapy and other depression treatments to complete your treatment.
Prior to your first session, your physician will take several measurements to personalize the TMS device specifically for you. The physician will place the coil on top of your head, and then administer an array of short pulses to determine how much power to apply to stimulate your brain. You'll hear clicking sounds and feel a thumping under the coil when the magnet is turned on. The pulses last about 20 seconds. Once the technician is satisfied with the intensity of the magnetic pulses they'll begin your treatment.
You will remain awake and alert throughout the treatment. It can last up to 30 minutes. Your provider will use the computer to guide the magnetic coil across your scalp. Each pulse is followed by a pause, which allows the magnet to cool. The pulses will be administered every day for six week, but your provider can extend the schedule if results are positive.
TMS is a relatively new depression treatment. It is covered by insurance policies but only if certain conditions are fulfilled. For instance, you should have tried a minimum number of antidepressants that aren't helping. You'll also have to undergo an examination of your body and agree to several other tests. This is to make sure that you're fit for treatment, and that there are no medical devices within your body. It is also recommended to be sure to avoid sedatives and anesthesia prior to undergoing starting a TMS treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective and popular treatment for depression. CBT is a mix of cognitive and behavior therapies which focus on current issues. It also concentrates on changing the way we think to alleviate mood issues and negative behaviors. The majority of CBT sessions are conducted in an office setting however, they can be conducted online or by phone.
The concept was initially created by Aaron Beck, CBT is based on the notion that a person's mood and thoughts are connected. Inaccurate and negative thoughts can trigger stress, which could result in unhealthy behaviors. CBT helps people recognize these negative patterns and teach the ability to replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts.
In addition to addressing depression, CBT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias and substance use disorders. It's also used to treat eating disorders and insomnia. Some variations of this treatment also concentrate on improving relationships and overall well-being.
Like other psychological treatments, CBT is based on research-based evidence and empirical data. It is also changing as scientists make new discoveries on human behavior and how the brain functions.
CBT is an active and collaborative process that usually occurs over a brief period of time. CBT sessions can last between five and twenty, based on the condition being addressed.
The most significant benefit of CBT is that it is focused on addressing the specific problems a person is having. It doesn't spend much time looking back at the past or analyzing traumatizing experiences, unlike other types. Instead, it concentrates on working through the issues that cause the most stress.
A trained mental health professional can help you identify the cause of your problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They might suggest that you keep a journal and encourage you to be aware of how you react to challenging or stressful situations. Then, they will help you to change negative emotions and thoughts through interactive question-and-answer sessions. They will also teach you methods, such as mindfulness meditation, that will help you notice and challenge your thoughts when they become negative.
Ketamine Infusions
The first time it was approved by the FDA as an anesthetic, ketamine has powerful antidepressant properties and is now used to treat severe and resistant depression. Infusions of ketamine under medical supervision could save the lives of patients suffering from treatment-resistant depression or suicidal thoughts. In one study, 85 percent of patients reported remission of their depressive symptoms after a single ketamine injection.
Ketamine creates new neural pathways in your brain that allow positive and healthy thoughts to develop. It is regarded as a low-risk, non-invasive treatment that can provide immediate relief from suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety. This often happens within hours or even days after the initial injection. It can sometimes lead to a complete recovery of depression. It's also known as "transformative therapy" because it provides rapid and lasting results.
While the majority of clinics offering ketamine are safe, not all of them comply with federal and state regulations. It's important to work with an accredited, licensed provider with years of experience and has been trained in a hospital-based environment. It is also important to ensure that the clinic has a psychiatrist on staff who can supervise the treatment of the medication and to manage any adverse effects.
Common side effects include feeling that time is speeding up or slowing down, and changes in perception such as experiencing things in a different way. These effects are likely to be mild and short-lived. However, in some rare instances, patients may have a more negative experience. On-site psychiatric specialists can assist in managing these rare but serious events. They are typically short and disappear within a few minutes of the infusion ending.
At Lone Peak Psychiatry, we take the safety of our patients seriously. We conduct a thorough examination prior to the beginning of a course infusions of ketamine. This includes an initial urine toxicology test to determine if the patient is healthy enough to be able to receive this type of treatment. We only treat patients who have been recommended to us by their doctor and have not seen improvement after trying different antidepressants or TMS or ECT.
Online Screening
Depression is a serious mental health condition that can trigger feelings of sadness and despair. clinical depression treatments suffering from depression typically have trouble thinking clearly, and often feel fatigued and in a bad mood. They may also have trouble finding joy in their life and may have difficulty concentrating and might even consider self-harm or suicide. But depression is treatable, and there are many options available. One of the most effective treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT provides patients with strategies to manage persistent sadness and low mood.
A recent study has found that online counseling is an effective treatment for people who suffer from depression. This program allows people to communicate with a counselor via online chat or video. The counselor will assist the person in identifying their problems and provide guidance and assistance in dealing with them. The counselor may also suggest other treatment options if the individual requires them. The counselor can also connect the person to other sources of help.
The research was intended to assess the reliability, efficacy and viability of an internet-based psychodynamic depression treatment. The study was conducted in the UK during the COVID-19 epidemic and involved 23 teens with depressive symptoms. The participants registered an interest on the study's website, filled out a short online survey, and received an individual response from a counselor for the program. The participants then began the treatment program and were assessed at baseline and sessions 1-9.
Participants were asked to complete the QIDS A17-SR (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescents), at the beginning of the study as well as at the end. They were also asked to provide details about their prior mental health treatment and any barriers they faced in obtaining treatment.
The research team found that internet-based treatment was a dependable and safe option for young people with depressive symptoms, and it was equally effective as face-toface psychotherapy in improving the QIDS A17-SR score. The fact that patients must have internet access on a computer or smartphone, and read and write English is a barrier to some groups of young adults. This is particularly true for those living in areas with high levels of poverty.