Treatment-resistant depression
When you’re depressed and taking an antidepressant, it may seem like it takes forever for it to work. While therapy, in addition to medication, can help… it may not be enough if you’re experiencing treatment-resistant depression. Some people find after many months with a medication that there’s no relief. If that’s the case, we can offer options that can make a dramatic difference. In addition to traditional antidepressant medications, there are new treatment options available.
1. Ketamine
Ketamine is an innovative, off-label treatment of depression, which has created a wave of scientific interest and excitement in psychiatry and is administered intravenously. Unlike traditional antidepressant medication, ketamine acts quickly and has few side effects. Many patients find that ketamine is a much better option when traditional medications don’t work for them.
Most patients find that their mood improves within hours of treatment instead of weeks or months. For those with major depressive disorder (MDD) or those contemplating suicide, fast treatment is crucial.
2. TMS
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is another alternative to the treatment of depression. This is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate the nerve cells in the brain and can lead to response and remission even when other treatments haven’t been effective.
During treatment, magnetic pulses are delivered to the specific section of your brain in charge of controlling your mood. It may activate regions of your brain that have been inactive due to depression, which improve your depression symptoms and allows you feel better.
Being depressed can take its toll on your life in many different ways. If you think you’re medication isn’t working, there is hope, and we are here to help you. IV ketamine and TMS may work even when other strategies don’t. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at 860.648.9755.
To getting you back to your best self,
Lori Calabrese, MD
