Treatment Resistant Depression

About 30% of people with major depressive disorder have treatment-resistant depression. If your symptoms haven’t gone away with traditional treatment, see the experts at Resonance Psychiatry. Advanced registered nurse practitioner Stephanie Blanshan, ARNP, and the team offer treatment-resistant depression options that can boost your mood when other treatments haven’t worked. Schedule an evaluation at Resonance Psychiatry by calling the office or booking a telehealth appointment online today.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Treatment-resistant depression is a type of major depressive disorder in which at least two different traditional antidepressants haven’t resolved your symptoms within at least 6-8 weeks.

The good news is that there are numerous treatments available for this type of depression that may provide relief.

What are the symptoms of treatment-resistant depression?

Symptoms of treatment-resistant depression can include:

• Ongoing sadness
• Extreme sad feelings
• Appetite changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Weight changes
• Fatigue
• Loss of interest in favorite things
• Thoughts of suicide
• Anxiety 

You don’t have to live with these symptoms, as effective solutions are available at Resonance Psychiatry.

What are the risk factors for treatment-resistant depression?

The cause isn’t clear, but risk factors for treatment-resistant depression may include:

• Genetics
• Brain chemistry
• Chronic stress
• Thyroid diseases
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Heart disease
• Family history of treatment-resistant depression

Regardless of the underlying cause, the Resonance Psychiatry team can create a treatment plan.

How is treatment-resistant depression diagnosed?

Your Resonance Psychiatry provider completes a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to learn if you have treatment-resistant depression and how to best address it. They use DSM-5 criteria to evaluate your moods, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Resonance Psychiatry also offers genetic testing and lab testing to learn more about potential causes and how to effectively treat your condition.

How is treatment-resistant depression treated?

Your customized treatment-resistant depression treatment plan might consist of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Stress management
• Individual or family therapy
• Dietary supplements
• Medication management
• Weight management
• Sleep optimization 
• Psychotherapy
• Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy

If you’re a candidate for ketamine-assisted psychotherapy at Resonance Psychiatry, you might receive an intramuscular injection or compounded nasal spray in addition to psychotherapy.

You might receive a referral for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or similar treatments.

It’s helpful to stay active, eat a balanced diet, minimize stress, avoid alcohol, and maintain a strong social support network. Avoid nicotine, alcohol, and drug use.

Follow up with the Resonance Psychiatry team for therapy sessions and medication adjustments when necessary to experience long-lasting results and an enhanced quality of life. Call the office if you develop new symptoms or have questions during your treatment.

Schedule a telehealth evaluation at Resonance Psychiatry by phone or request one online today for personalized treatment-resistant depression options.