Treating depression is not always simple, as it can take some time and experimentation to find what works best for each individual. This means that some people may take a number of different antidepressants before finding the one that works best for them. It also means that people may engage in therapy sessions that do not provide the desired results until they find those that do. But there is a major difference between finding the sweet spot of depression treatment and being treatment-resistant.

Those who have treatment-resistant depression, according to American Family Physician, are deemed treatment-resistant when “at least two trials of antidepressants from different pharmacologic classes fail to produce a significant clinical improvement.” This means that even though these individuals have been prescribed antidepressants that generally provide significant relief for most with depression, they themselves did not see an improvement in their symptoms.

In addition to medication, individuals who are deemed treatment-resistant may not have seen benefits from therapeutic services — such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or group counseling — in ways that others have. When this occurs, it shows that an individual is not getting the care they need in order to fully take control of their depression, even if they are actively trying to accomplish that goal.

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People who have treatment-resistant depression experience symptoms that are similar to those who have other depressive disorders. However, the severity of their symptoms tends to be increased as a result of not being appropriately treated.

Some of the most common symptoms associated with treatment-resistant depression include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Excessive crying, even to the point of regularly feeling like one is holding back tears
• Having zero to little interest in any activities that were once enjoyed
• Exhaustion that makes getting out of bed and accomplishing goals nearly impossible
• Overwhelming sadness that is not related to a recent occurrence
• Eating too much or not enough
• Thoughts of wanting to die, how to carry out a suicide, and what others might feel if one was no longer around

As time passes and treatment is not effective, these symptoms can get worse and make everyday life extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

Treatment-resistant depression does not occur because of an individual's lack of effort in getting treatment. Instead, treatment-resistant depression occurs when the efforts that a person is making to get treatment are unsuccessful. Some of the reasons why this occurs are that individuals are not being prescribed the correct medications or provided with the appropriate forms of therapies. 

Treatment-resistant depression can also occur as a result of not getting enough of a dose of antidepressants or not seeing a therapist as frequently as needed.

Not all causes of treatment-resistant depression are able to be controlled. For example, one’s health may contribute to the likelihood of developing treatment-resistant depression. Anorexia, heart disease, and cancer are all linked to this type of depression, as is substance abuse. Sometimes, even one’s DNA can make treating depression more difficult. Thankfully, treatment-resistant depression can be treated with a number of different therapeutic means, including transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.

While every insurance plan is different, many insurance companies offer coverage for TMS therapy for people dealing with depression.

If you are considering TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression, our caring staff will help you determine what your options are for insurance or other payment plans. 

Medicare covers TMS treatment for major depressive disorder in most cases, and may offer coverage for other conditions as well.

Contact Wave Treatment Centers for additional information.