Meds not Working: Why TMS Could Be Your Depression Game-Changer
Anyone who suffers from depression knows that these diagnoses can dramatically impact daily life. Whether it be the potential changes in relationships or the feelings of sadness that accompany a diagnosis, there tends to be an underlying persistent fear that they will never get better, even with the aid of medication and therapy.
Goolsby and Associates know that depression can be a challenge, but we also know there is help. We provide psychopharmacology, medication management, transcranial magnetic, and theta burst stimulation in the Gainesville, GA area. We understand that no two cases of depression are ever the same, and treatment options and needs vary depending on the individual.
If your depression is not getting better with medication and therapy, you may be a candidate for TMS. Read on for more information on treatment-resistant depression and treatment options.
What is depression?
Perhaps it might be a good idea to start with what depression is not. Feelings of sadness are often just the result of circumstances related to being human. And, unfortunately, there is no cure for being human, at least none we’ve discovered thus far. The reality is that life can be challenging, with feelings of sadness that often accompany loss and grief. However, depression is something uniquely different. While most of us will experience feelings of sadness and low mood and even lose interest in activities from time to time, there is a distinction between these feelings and a clinical diagnosis of depression.
Depression can range from mild and temporary to long-term and debilitating. However, clinical depression is diagnosed by a medical professional according to criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision. To meet the diagnostic criteria, someone must experience multiple symptoms from a designated list outlined in the DSM-5-TR over a period of at least two weeks. In addition, these symptoms must cause “clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of important function AND must not be the result of substance abuse or another medical condition.” There are other specifiers to consider as well. The critical thing to note is that if you have been feeling depressed for at least two weeks, consult your healthcare provider.
Treatment options for depression: medication and psychotherapy
Two standard treatment options for clinical depression include antidepressant medication and some form of psychotherapy. Both have been widely studied, with research suggesting that utilizing both in combination tends to treat depression better than one on its own. You can work with your healthcare provider to determine your best treatment route.
Medications for depression
The most common form of antidepressant medication for treating depression is known as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. In very simplistic terms, this drug class helps keep serotonin, an important neurotransmitter, within the brain, preventing it from reabsorption between the synapses of the neurons. SNRIs work similarly to SSRIs but also help block the reuptake of norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter within the brain. There are other medications available for the treatment of depression as well, including atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, serotonin modulators, and MAOIs.
We should note that it may take time for medication to become effective, so please use it as prescribed and never stop without consulting your healthcare provider. You may also need to try several medications to find the right fit for you. Be persistent, and don’t give up on your mental health.
Psychotherapy for depression
As previously stated, psychotherapy guided by a licensed mental health professional can be incredibly effective for the treatment of depression, especially when combined with medication. There are many forms of psychotherapy and many practitioners to choose from, so much like with medication, you may have to try a few times to find a good fit.
But what if you have tried several medications and psychotherapy with no relief? If this sounds like you, you may be experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Don’t lose hope! There are revolutionary treatment options for those who have yet to find relief using standard treatment options.
What is TRD?
Treatment-resistant depression refers to depression that does not respond to standard treatments, including medication and psychotherapy. According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed when an individual has tried at least two different first-line antidepressants for the appropriate length of time as prescribed and still is suffering from depression. Research suggests that up to 60% of all patients who utilize antidepressant medications may be treatment-resistant.
If you have tried multiple medications of adequate dosage and used them appropriately for at least 6 to 8 weeks and still have no relief, you may have treatment-resistant depression. Despite the name, treatment options are still available, leading us to transcranial magnetic stimulation, a game-changer for those with TRD.
Medical interventions for the treatment of depression: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is an FDA-approved noninvasive medical intervention for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression, which works by stimulating areas of low activity in the brain through repetitive magnetic pulses. TMS targets specific areas of the brain associated with mood and emotion, creating new neural pathways, and is nothing short of a miracle treatment for those whose depression does not respond to standard treatment options.
This procedure is done in the office here at Goolsby and Associates, with sessions lasting between 5 and 30 minutes. Because it is non-invasive, you can immediately get on with your day. TMS is covered by most insurance companies, making it an excellent choice for those seeking additional help with treating their depression.
There is help for treatment-resistant depression
Depression impacts the lives of so many, and for those who continually seek treatment options to no avail, TMS may be a solution. You do not have to suffer in silence, nor do you have to continue to let your depression have more control of your life. If you have tried medications and psychotherapy with no relief, please reach out to Goolsby and Associates. We serve Gainesville, GA, and the surrounding areas. Our compassionate and knowledgeable staff is here to help you discern if transcranial magnetic stimulation is a good fit. Reach out today!