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What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

March 08, 2024

After being diagnosed as having a depressive disorder, you look to treatments to help you control symptoms like hopelessness, anxiety, and lack of energy. Yet, what should you do if traditional antidepressants fail to work or make your symptoms more unbearable? If you have tried at least two treatments previously and still grapple with depression, you could have Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Get more information about this condition and get a better idea if you or someone close to you might have Treatment-Resistant Depression.

How Are Patients Diagnosed With Treatment-Resistant Depression In Clark?

Treatment-resistant depression applies to individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have tried at least two oral antidepressants to the proper duration and dosage levels without success. Although you could detect short-lived improvements in mood, they are typically replaced by more symptoms. You may even discover that your depressive episodes are more prolonged and severe.

If antidepressants fail to help you, it’s not unusual. According to one study, between 29% and 46% of those participating didn’t get extended relief from oral antidepressants.

What Are Treatment-resistant depression symptoms?

TRD is a subset of a Major Depressive Disorder. Consequently, the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression are known, but you aren’t able to see improvement from usual antidepressants. These symptoms can include:

  • Constant hopelessness or sadness
  • Loss of interest or delight in activities
  • Shifts in appetite or weight
  • Sleep difficulties like insomnia or lethargy
  • Pessimistic thoughts about oneself.
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Physical phantom pain in joints
  • Self-harm
  • Repeated thoughts of suicide or death

It's essential to understand that the consistency and acuteness of these symptoms, despite treatment, differentiate TRD from other kinds of depression. Additionally, managing TRD usually calls for a more multi-faceted type of depression treatment near Clark, including potentially a combination of prescriptions and psychotherapy.

SPRAVATO Authorized For Treatment-Resistant Depression

SPRAVATO is the first FDA-approved nasal spray to treat individuals age 18 and over with treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is the active chemical ingredient and is believed to reduce symptoms by affecting certain neural pathways. In a clinical trial, those who took Spravato and an oral antidepressant had a greater decrease in depressive symptoms after four weeks than participants who took a placebo with an antidepressant.

SPRAVATO is taken under direct observation of medical professionals at a facility approved through the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. A complete assessment of your medical history is needed before treatment. Potentially serious side effects may arise, including sedation and dissociation, and patients have to be monitored for two hours following treatment.

Contact The Counseling Center at Clark For Help With Treatment-resistant Depression in Clark

Treatment-resistant depression can cause an additional layer of anxiety with feelings that your situation may not improve. Thankfully, a new approach to medicine, therapy, and expert healthcare will help you work through TRD. The Counseling Center at Clark is ready to help. We provide an array of specialized services for treatment-resistant depression and are a certified SPRAVATO treatment provider. Find help today by dialing 732-605-6029 or using the form below.