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What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Columbia Associates is dedicated to supporting your mental health. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to reach out for immediate support through your local crisis services by dialing 988, contacting your local emergency services, or visiting your local emergency room.

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions worldwide. People who struggle with depression often feel lonely, hopeless, and have a hard time finding joy in their daily lives. For many of those with depression, treatment approaches like therapy and medication can effectively manage symptoms. However, there are some who don’t respond well to traditional treatments. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a term for depression that doesn’t improve with standard therapies. While it can be a challenging and frustrating condition, there are still options for those with TRD.

Columbia Associates offers treatment services for those struggling with TRD. Spravato® treatment services, which use an FDA-approved medication to target receptors in the brain that regulate mood, is one option for those with TRD. This approach has shown promising results in treating symptoms of depression and can be effective when other treatments have failed.

Call 703.682.8208 to discover how Columbia Associates can help you or a loved one find new ways to manage the symptoms of depression.

What Are the Signs of Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-resistant depression can look different for everyone, but some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
  • Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
  • Changes in appetite and weight
  • Difficulty sleeping or excessive sleep
  • Fatigue or loss of energy
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms and have not found relief from traditional treatments, it may be worth exploring options for treatment-resistant depression.

TRD is typically diagnosed when an individual has not responded to at least two different types of antidepressant medications. However, it is important to note that everyone responds differently to treatment, and what may work for one person may not work for another. It is also essential to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to depression symptoms.

What Are the Causes of Treatment-Resistant Depression?

The exact cause of TRD is still unknown. However, researchers believe that it may be due to a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing TRD, while others may have experienced trauma or ongoing stress that contributes to their treatment-resistant symptoms.

How Is Treatment-Resistant Depression Treated?

At Columbia Associates, our team of mental health professionals will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan for TRD. This may include trying different medications, therapy approaches, and lifestyle changes to find what works best for you. Specialized services we offer for treating TRD include:

  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy – A non-invasive therapy that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and improve symptoms of depression.
  • Spravato® treatment – An FDA-approved nasal spray that targets receptors in the brain to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

It’s important to remember that finding the right treatment for TRD may take time, but with persistence and a dedicated team of professionals, it is possible to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Get in Touch with Columbia Associates for TRD Treatment Services

If you’re struggling, there’s help available. Our locations throughout Maryland and Virginia are equipped to provide comprehensive treatment for treatment-resistant depression.

For new clients, please click here to schedule an appointment. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.