Depression Treatment Advancements Researchers are constantly striving to improve the treatment of depression. This special Research in Context will explore some of the advancements in depression treatment. Psychotherapy can help ease depression symptoms by teaching the person how to deal with negative thoughts and feelings. Talk therapy can take place in groups or one-on-1, with a mental healthcare professional. Precision mental healthcare The term "precision" refers to the ability to bring more precision or precision to diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. In the realm of mental health, it could comprise a variety of methods, from medication to psychotherapy. However most of these strategies tend to focus on the repercussions of the disorder, rather than its roots. This can lead to treatments that do nothing more than alleviate symptoms, without addressing the root causes of mental illness. Fortunately, precision mental healthcare is rapidly developing. It's similar to the method used in other fields, such as incorporating constant monitoring of important indicators (e.g. fever or blood pressure) into clinical practice. It also includes combining multiple data sources and applying machine learning to assist doctors understand the patient's individual needs and formulate more efficient treatment plans. Precision psychiatry uses EEG to assess brain function and determine the ability of a patient to engage in cognitive behavioral therapy. A new class of drugs referred to as NMDA receptor inhibitors may reduce depression symptoms by preventing the neurotransmitter, glutamate, from reaching specific brain cells. Another possible breakthrough is the use of pharmacogenetic testing to identify drug-gene interactions and to avoid adverse side effects. In addition, a number of companies are looking into digital precision psychiatry. This is a method that uses objective digital technologies to monitor patients remotely and gather real-time data that aids in guiding the treatment they receive. One example is that a company is using artificial intelligence to track adherence and optimize medication dosages for their patients suffering from depression. These kinds of solutions are likely to dramatically improve accessibility and efficiency of mental health care and increase patients' adherence to treatment. Digital precision psychiatry, specifically it can help those suffering from mental illness overcome barriers to treatment, especially those who work. Johnson & Johnson, for instance, is working with organizations in Singapore to support the reintegration of people recovering from depression back into their work. This will help them keep their jobs, which is crucial for mental health recovery. Medication Many people who suffer from depression find that medication can help ease their symptoms, especially if they're experiencing severe or disabling symptoms. Antidepressants help restore the balance of neurotransmitters within the brain, which are chemical messengers that regulate mood and emotion. The majority of antidepressants today target one of these neurotransmitters through increasing levels of serotonin. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Prozac and Zoloft increase the levels of serotonin chemical within the brain. These SNRIs, such as Cymbalta, Effexor and Cymbalta focus on both norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors like Wellbutrin concentrate on dopamine only and norepinephrine. Most doctors recommend antidepressants as the first option of treatment for depression, in conjunction with some form of talk therapy. Some of these therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help improve thoughts and feelings by educating specific skills or interpersonal psychotherapy which concentrates on improving relationships. Other therapies, such as electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have also been proved to be effective in treating depression. Unfortunately, some people don't respond to the first medications prescribed by doctors. About one-third of depressed patients do not receive relief from the first medication they take and 40 percent of those who begin using antidepressants quit within three months. https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-treatment has allowed doctors to predict which medications will work best for a patient by using blood or MRI testing to determine which receptors have been most affected by depression. In recent years, the treatment has gotten better with improved options and dosages that minimize side effects. Newer antidepressants such as esketamine and brexanolone as well as Nefazodone help to reduce depression symptoms. Clinical trials are being conducted on other medications that could change the method of their use. A drug called vorapaxar that is currently being tested in humans, targets a distinct brain region that's associated with depression, by blocking NMDA receptors. It's anticipated to be available by 2024. Another drug that has shown potential is a combination bupropion and ketamine. This could be more effective at treating depression resistant to treatment. Psychotherapy Psychiatric researchers have been able to pinpoint certain factors that cause depression, such as imbalances in the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a vital role in controlling mood, emotions and brain function in general. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the main treatment options. They can help alleviate many of depression-related symptoms such as depressed feelings and fatigue, and also increase appetite, sleep, and energy levels. They can also cause side effects, which can make them unsuitable for certain people. Psychotherapy can address the root causes and help individuals overcome depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy and ketonamine therapy are two forms of therapy that have been proven to reduce depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can help people to develop a healthier way of coping and help them manage stressors. Cost, scheduling limitations and a shortage of mental health providers can limit access to psychotherapy. Telehealth services have increased accessibility for many people. Finding the right treatment mix is the key to beating depression. It may take up 12 to 12 weeks before you know whether your medication is effective. The use of medication alone may not be enough to relieve all your symptoms. There are a variety of nonpharmacologic treatments available including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation. These therapies use electromagnetic fields to stimulate the brain's natural chemistry and enhance mood. Whether you're interested in trying medication or psychotherapy, it's essential to be in close contact with your provider. Talk openly about your feelings and thoughts and discuss the benefits as well as the risks and effects of each method. Find a provider that can meet your requirements when you're having trouble getting trust from your therapist or doctor. A clinic that offers a free trial period is also a good option, since it gives you the opportunity to try different methods before making a commitment. In the end, you'll discover a treatment that works best for you and allows you to feel at your most at your best. Brain stimulation In just a few years scientists have found new ways to target certain brain regions and alter their function quickly. These techniques can be utilized to treat physical ailments as well as some mental disorders. rTMS is a technique that employs electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. It's similar to magnetic pulses used in MRIs, but not powerful enough to cause a seizures. The technique works by stimulating an exact region of the brain using an unpainful magnet. The pulses affect the way the brain signals, making it easier for you to feel better. The therapy takes only 3.5 minutes, and will not interfere with your daily routine. You might experience a mild headache following the treatment. Another option is to implant electrodes in the brain to send out painless zaps of electricity. This procedure is also referred to as deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (deep TMS), and it's been employed to treat OCD and to quit smoking. It's still being studied for depression, but early studies suggest it may reduce depression symptoms in certain individuals. The mechanism of this treatment isn't fully understood however, it appears to be able to alter the balance of certain neurotransmitters. Other types of noninvasive brain stimulation are also advancing also. For instance an upcoming study has found that people suffering from severe depression who were resistant to antidepressants, responded to an electromagnet treatment known as SAINT. It is individualized to the specific anatomy of each patient's brain and utilizes high-dose patterns of magnetic pulses. The treatment is delivered within a couple of hours, while previous treatments required daily sessions over several months or weeks. Researchers used fMRI technology to pinpoint the exact brain region that was being stimulated by every patient. They also studied minute differences in the activation of the various brain regions, which helped them determine the direction of the signals. They discovered that the anterior cingulate cortex sent signals to the subgenual cortex of depressed people. These messages were often not directed correctly. The more severe depression the more signals were sent in the wrong direction.