How well is your depression treatment going on? Did it help you, or do you still feel that darkness has not lifted a little bit? If so, then you might be suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Depression is a global mental disorder that affects nearly 5% of the total adult population. Struggling with depression is quite distressing, and treating treatment-resistant depression is not a straightforward process. It feels like you are stuck in the dark hole of depression, and there is no way out. If your depression symptoms still persist, then don’t give up. All you and your doctor need to do is to find the right approach that includes different therapies or another form of treatment.
Recognizing and understanding the Treatment-Resistant Depression is crucial for getting the personalized treatment that aims to improve the quality of life.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD), commonly known as Refractory Depression, is a form of depression that does not cured by taking two different antidepressants, and the depression symptoms do not improve even after taking the prescribed therapy. It is typically a form of major depressive disorder. Usually, going through different counseling for depression eases the depression symptoms. However, if you have treatment-resistant depression, taking the standard depression treatments is not enough.
In short, people who have taken a minimum of two antidepressants as prescribed by their psychiatrist and still no improvement is shown are categorized as treatment-resistant depression/ refractory depression patients.
Who is at the Risk of Having Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Well, anyone can develop treatment-resistant Depression. As per research, there is no exact cause behind the development of TRD. The medical experts speculate a number of factors that increase the risk of developing refractory depression. The risk factors include the following but are not limited to these only.
Incorrect depression diagnoses
Family history of depression
Insomnia or sleep disorder
Bipolar disorder
Age
Genetics Factors
Metabolic disorder
Women as they suffer from TRD more than men.
What are the Symptoms of Treatment-Resistant Disorder?
Usually, the individual has the same depression symptoms as people with depressive disorder. Since it is the subset of major depressive disorder, the symptoms include the following:
Having the sleep difficulties
Continuous sadness or hopelessness
Self Harm
Having self-destructive thoughts
Loss of Interest
Repeated thoughts of suicide
Having back pain, joint pain, or headache
Anxiety
Fatigue or low mood
Changes in sleep and appetite
How Treatment Resistant Depression is Diagnosed?
Diagnosing treatment-resistant depression is not a small task as it is not clearly defined. However, doctors usually diagnose depressive disorder if the depression symptoms still exist even after going through different therapies. Only after double-checking a few things from you will the psychiatrist confirm the treatment-resistant disorder.
Is your depression correctly diagnosed earlier?
Does the doctor prescribe the right dose?
Have you taken the antidepressants on time and correctly?
How long have you taken the antidepressants?
Are there other factors also that are worsening the depression symptoms?
How to Identify and Treat Treatment-Resistant Depression?
As per research, people living in metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi and having a hectic lifestyle mostly suffer from depression. Individuals who are living in Mumbai and are suffering from depression need to find the Best Psychiatrist in Mumbai for depression.
The experienced doctor will suggest the right strategies to cure treatment-resistant depression. The various medical strategies that are used to cure Treatment-Resistant Depression include:
Psychological Counselling
Psychological counselling, also known as psychotherapy, helps the individuals who are trying to cope with emotional trauma, daily life struggles, or anxiety. It includes a number of different types of psychotherapies, including:
Family or Marital Therapy
This therapy mainly addresses the issue coming with the family members or with your spouse. Since these relationships issues are the core of our psychological state, therefore addressing the issues with these persons is a must.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
It is a short therapy that is used to address the issues that are related to our emotions and mood. It will help you understand the symptoms that are triggering the depression symptoms.
Dialectical behavior Therapy (DBT)
It is a talk therapy that helps people who are struggling to manage their intense emotions. This therapy benefits people who often feel intensely emotional.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
This therapy helps you to accept your thoughts and feelings while committing to live according to your values. It is a mindful therapy that helps you to live in the present moment.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
This therapy helps you change your unhealthy way of thinking, behaving, or feeling. This talk therapy helps to change your mental health.
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for clinical depression. In this, a small dose of electric current is passed through your brain, causing a short seizure. It will change the brain chemistry to ease the depression symptoms. This treatment might have temporary side effects, such as memory loss or confusion.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation VNS
This surgical procedure is used to treat Clinical depression. In this, a small device is implanted to stimulate the vagus nerve. A mild electric impulse is sent to your body’s nervous system to change the brain wave pattern and to improve the depression symptoms.
People who are having VNS treatment may experience chest pain, throat pain, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy uses a magnetic coil to influence your brain to improve the depression symptoms. It is a non-invasive treatment that is used to treat treatment-resistant depression.
During the treatment special electro magnetic coil is placed on the patient’s head to stimulate the targeted regions of your brain. As a result of this, neuro transmitters of your brain are normalized.
Note: Other forms of treatment are also available that your doctor will suggest to you based on your mental health condition.
How to Deal with Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Apart from the above-mentioned treatment, there are other methods that will help you cope with clinical depression. Individuals dealing with the depressive disorder can try the following:
Find your Comfort Zone
Some people easily mingle with other individuals, while others talk with the one with whom they are comfortable. If you are dealing with depression or anxiety, it is better to share your thoughts with your loved ones. Also, some individuals enjoy the party while others simply enjoy peace. Find out your comfort zone to release tension.
Remember Self Care
Self care is always important. Start loving your self and follow the basic self care routine. Always remember to take a sound sleep, eat healthy food, and exercise every day.
Try Meditation techniques
You can try different medication techniques like yoga, meditation, breathing, spiritual meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation. All these meditation techniques will help the individual in overcoming stress, anxiety, and depression.
Avoid Alcohol
Drinking alcohol is a vicious cycle. Drinking exacerbates mental illness. Individuals drink because they are depressed, which later on becomes addiction. Henceforth, avoid drinking alcohol or other form that exacerbate depression.
Finding the Right Doctor For You
Overcoming the dark hole of depression is not an impossible task; all you need is to find the best doctor for yourself. Those struggling with treatment-resistant depression often find it difficult to find the best psychiatrist in Mumbai For depression. If you or your loved one is struggling with a depressive disorder, then seek expert advice from Reflect Within Professionals.
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