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 Supportive wife comforting husband with TRD during a meeting with a counselor in Fair Lawn.

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

March 08, 2024

After being diagnosed as having depression, you expect treatments to help you manage symptoms like hopelessness, anxiety, and tiredness. Yet, what do you do if customary antidepressants fail to offer relief or make things more unpleasant? If you have tried multiple treatments in the past and still struggle with depression, you could have Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Learn more about this disorder and find out if you or someone you love has Treatment-Resistant Depression.

How Are Individuals Diagnosed With Treatment-Resistant Depression In Fair Lawn?

Treatment-resistant depression applies to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have taken at least two oral antidepressants to the prescribed dose and duration without a reduction of symptoms. Even though you may experience brief elevations in mood, they are usually followed by more symptoms. You might even discover that your bouts of depression are longer and more severe.

If antidepressants haven’t worked for you, it’s not unusual. In one study’s findings, between 29% and 46% of participants didn’t respond to oral antidepressants.

What Are The Symptoms Of Treatment-resistant Depression?

TRD is form of Major Depressive Disorder. Therefore, the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression are well known, but you are unable to see improvement from usual antidepressants. These symptoms can include:

  • Persistent hopelessness or sadness
  • Lack of interest or delight in activities
  • Shifts in appetite or weight
  • Sleep difficulties like insomnia or sleeping too much
  • Pessimistic emotions about oneself.
  • Trouble paying attention
  • Phantom pain in joints
  • Self-harm
  • Ongoing thoughts of death or suicide

It's critical to note that the frequency and intensity of these symptoms, in spite of treatment, differentiate TRD from other instances of depression. Additionally, combatting TRD typically requires a more multi-faceted kind of depression treatment near Fair Lawn, potentially including a blend of medications and psychotherapy.

SPRAVATO Sanctioned For Treatment-Resistant Depression

SPRAVATO is the first FDA-sanctioned nasal spray to treat people 18 or older with treatment-resistant depression. Esketamine is the active ingredient and is believed to reduce symptoms by impacting particular brain pathways. In a clinical trial, people who were treated with Spravato and an oral antidepressant had a more pronounced abatement of depressive symptoms after four weeks than participants who were provided a placebo and an antidepressant.

SPRAVATO is administered under direct observation of medical professionals at a facility authorized by the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. A thorough examination of your medical background is needed in advance of use. Potentially serious side effects may occur, including feelings of detachment and sedation, and patients have to be monitored for two hours after treatment.

Find Help For Treatment-resistant Depression In Fair Lawn At The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn

Treatment-resistant depression can bring about another layer of anxiety with feelings that your condition may never improve. Thankfully, a new strategy for medicine, psychotherapy, and expert support will help you work through TRD. The Counseling Center at Fair Lawn is standing by to help. We offer a range of mental health services for treatment-resistant depression and are an authorized SPRAVATO treatment center. Get help today by calling 201-389-5326 or submitting the simple form on this page.