Many people with depression find relief from their symptoms using a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication. But, unfortunately, that’s not always the case. In fact, up to 30% of people dealing with major depressive disorder (MDD) still feel persistent feelings of sadness, low energy, sleep disturbances, and suicidal ideation even with treatment.
If that’s true for you or someone you love, you could have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is also known as refractory depression.
And, yes, it can feel pretty disheartening to try and try to reduce your symptoms only to continue feeling terrible.
While TRD is not entirely understood, researchers are working hard to figure out how to break the barriers of this unfortunate mental health condition. And there are things you can do to help increase your chances of finding relief.
Depression Treatment in San Diego
What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
TRD is a form of major depressive disorder that fails to respond to traditional antidepressant treatments. Some antidepressants take time to work. So, it’s tricky to diagnose treatment-resistant depression. However, TRD is typically considered after you try at least two types of medications for a specified amount of time and see little results.
Basically, if your clinician prescribes you a couple of different medications, and you try them for several weeks or months each and still feel overwhelmingly depressed, you may have treatment-resistant depression.
With that said, there isn’t a clear definition of TRD or regulatory depression. That makes it even more challenging to treat. However, when you work with a team of clinicians who specialize in treating all forms of depression, including TRD, and who are committed to getting you feeling better, you can still find relief from your symptoms.
At BOLD Health, we are a physician-led team with the experience and expertise to do what it takes to help you overcome your depression symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Treatment-Resistant Depression?
The symptoms of TRD or regulatory depression are the same as the symptoms of MDD. However, they tend to be more severe, persistent, and resistant to traditional treatments. If you struggle with regulatory depression, you may experience a combination of the following symptoms:
- Persistent low mood
- Loss of interest and pleasure in things you used to enjoy
- Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in appetite and weight
- Low energy and fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Regulatory depression can profoundly impact your quality of life, relationships, and overall functioning. Recognizing the unique presentation of TRD is crucial, so it’s important to work closely with your clinician to ensure symptoms don’t worsen and you can collaborate to find relief.
Optimizing Refractory Depression Treatment
At BOLD Health, we’ll put our heads together to determine the best possible solution to your struggles. Your refractory depression treatment journey may include any of the following approaches:
- Switching antidepressant medications: If you haven’t responded to one or more antidepressants, we may recommend switching to a different class of medication. We may try selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), or other atypical antidepressants.
- Augmentation with other medications: In some cases, we may suggest adding medication to what you are already taking. This may enhance the treatment response. Commonly used augmentation strategies include adding atypical antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, or thyroid hormones.
- Combination therapy: We may prescribe a combination of two or more antidepressants. They target different neurotransmitters.
- Ketamine treatment: Newer treatments, such as ketamine treatments and ketamine-assisted therapy, have been shown to be promising refractory depression treatment options.
How Psychotherapy and Other Non-Medical Options Can Help Treatment-Resistant Depression
Managing medication is vital in treating refractory depression. However, therapy and other non-medical interventions can also help with this challenging condition.
Psychotherapy
Different types of psychotherapy can help you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to depressive symptoms. Depression therapy in San Diego at BOLD Health can also help you improve interpersonal relationships and develop skills for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance.
Psychosocial Interventions
- Psychoeducation provides you and your loved ones with information about treatment-resistant depression, what may cause it, and available treatment options. Improving your understanding of the condition can help you and your support network be more engaged in your treatment process.
- Support groups connect you with others experiencing similar challenges and provide a sense of community, validation, and practical strategies for coping with TRD.
- Family therapy can help address interpersonal dynamics and provide a supportive environment for talking about what you’re experiencing with regulatory depression.
Lifestyle Changes
There are several things you can incorporate into your daily routine to help reduce TRD symptoms, including:
- Mindfulness-based interventions: Practices like meditation, yoga, and mindfulness-based stress reduction can help you manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
- Exercise and physical activity: Regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and can be a valuable tool in treating TRD.
- Balanced nutrition: Consuming a nutrient-rich diet that includes whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help support brain health and emotional well-being. In addition, certain nutritional deficiencies like low levels of omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of depression.
- Social connection and support: While it can be challenging to maintain meaningful social connections when you just don’t feel like it, it’s essential to your mental health. Social support can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer practical and emotional assistance during recovery.
- Engaging in enjoyable activities: Again, this can be tough when you seem to have lost interest in things that once brought you joy. However, participating in enjoyable, fulfilling, or meaningful activities can help counteract your loss of interest. Hobbies, creative pursuits, or volunteer work can improve your mood, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of purpose.
Choose BOLD Health for Treatment-Resistant Depression Therapy in San Diego
Living with treatment-resistant depression isn’t something you have to go through alone. At BOLD Health, we offer several options for depression treatment in San Diego, including options to help you overcome TRD.
Your refractory depression treatment won’t be cookie-cutter here at BOLD Health. We make sure we take the time to genuinely understand what brought you to our door and how we can best help you feel more like yourself.
Your depression treatment in San Diego at BOLD Health may include:
- individual therapy
- group therapy
- family therapy
- medication management
- ketamine treatment
- intensive outpatient program (IOP in San Diego)