When standard antidepressants and therapy aren’t enough, it can feel discouraging. But the good news is that research has led to new, evidence-based options for people living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
Here are five innovative treatments backed by science:
1. Spravato® (Esketamine Nasal Spray)
Spravato is the first FDA-approved nasal spray for adults with TRD. Unlike SSRIs, which target serotonin, Spravato works on the brain’s glutamate pathways, offering a different mechanism of action. Clinical trials have shown that patients can experience relief within hours to days, rather than weeks. Treatments are given in a clinic under supervision for safety.
2. Ketamine IV/IM Therapy
Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has gained attention for its rapid antidepressant effects at low doses. Administered intravenously or intramuscularly in a medical setting, ketamine can reduce symptoms of depression within hours, making it a promising option for patients who haven’t responded to traditional medications.
3. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy. It uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in brain regions involved in mood regulation. Evidence shows that repeated TMS sessions can significantly reduce depression symptoms in patients with TRD. It’s FDA-approved and generally well-tolerated with few side effects.
4. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
Although it carries a stigma, ECT is one of the most effective evidence-based treatments for severe TRD. Under anesthesia, small electrical currents are passed through the brain to trigger a brief seizure, which can help reset brain chemistry. ECT is often considered when other treatments have failed and can provide rapid, life-saving relief.
5. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
VNS involves surgically implanting a small device that sends mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which influences mood-related brain regions. While it’s less common than other therapies, studies show it can help some patients with chronic TRD achieve long-term improvements when combined with other treatments.
How Being Health Supports Patients with TRD
If you or someone you know is struggling with treatment-resistant depression, know that options extend beyond traditional antidepressants. From Spravato and ketamine to brain stimulation therapies, evidence-based innovations are offering new hope.
At Being Health in New York City, we are committed to bringing the most effective, evidence-based treatments for treatment-resistant depression into a safe, supportive, and medically supervised setting. Our team currently offers Spravato and ketamine infusion therapy (IV/IM), with additional innovative options, such as TMS and other neuromodulation therapies forthcoming. By combining cutting-edge science with compassionate, individualized care, we strive to provide patients with access to a full spectrum of treatments designed to meet their unique needs and support their path to recovery.
For more personalized answers and to learn if our treatments are right for you, schedule a consultation with Being Health today or give us a call at 888-668-7600.
