Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the United States, with approximately 6.7% of adults diagnosed. It has many different subtypes and requires a combination of therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications before improvements are seen.
There is nothing more frustrating than taking the necessary steps to overcome your depression, only to have a depression relapse and have the symptoms reappear down the road. However, it’s extremely important to recognize that even gradual improvements in mood and overall mental health are worth celebrating.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)?
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) surfaces when traditional treatments, such as medication or therapy, are not enough. Traditional treatments may provide a slight improvement, but the depression returns. At Pasadena Villa, we specialize in TRD using the most comprehensive and advanced methods available. Through a thorough assessment, we customize individual care plans to address each client’s medical, psychiatric, and social-emotional needs.
Our assessment plan also includes genetic testing, which is used to help with differential diagnosis and in the unique tailoring of medication for a patient’s symptoms, allowing us to remove some guesswork of treatment. Our in-depth assessments, genetic testing, and individualized care plans are designed to increase self-confidence to help clients cope with the symptoms of TRD.
What Causes Treatment-Resistant Depression?
The complex parts of our lives affect us and can be factors in the disruption to our mental status, leading to possible multiple conditions. If a patient is not responding to therapy or medication or a combination of the two and the depression returns, it could be a sign there is another diagnosis.
There are multiple psychiatric conditions — such as bipolar disorder and anxiety — that can have a depressive component. Those suffering from bipolar disorder will often show depressive symptoms part of the time and manic symptoms during other times. Anxiety can often co-exist with other related conditions, such as depression.
Other leading risk factors that contribute to TDR include:
- Age: Older adults tend to have a harder time overcoming depression.
- Type of depression: Major or clinical depression is much harder to conquer than seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or postpartum depression.
- Substance abuse disorder (SUD): You regularly use alcohol or drugs, which have a high correlation to causing depression.
How is Treatment-Resistant Depression Treated?
Medication
With depression medication, it may take several weeks before an individual sees improvement in their mood. However, if you are suffering from TRD, there may be little or no improvement. In many cases, it will take many attempts before you and your therapist or psychiatrist will be able to identify the most effective medications for your depression.
Although SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most common types of antidepressants prescribed to patients, there are other types of medications available for depression as well, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, antipsychotics, SNRIs (serotonin reuptake norepinephrine inhibitors) and tricyclic medications.
Therapy
Therapy applied simultaneously or separately has a proven track record in helping individuals overcome depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most effective therapies for treating depression include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
Pasadena Villa uses a combination of these therapies in conjunction with recreational, social, and life-skills activities within the community to provide real-life experiences and help clients regain control of their lives.
Holistic methods
Sometimes adding a mixture of holistic healing methods to your medication and therapy sessions could also help improve your depression symptoms. The most common holistic therapies include yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or massage therapy — all are great for building mindfulness.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet also go a long way in helping improve mood and overall health. Rest is also a forgotten remedy for treating depression which is often accompanied by irregular sleeping patterns. You might also consult with your therapist or psychiatrist if you’re struggling with keeping a consistent and healthy sleep schedule.
Seeking Professional Help
Pasadena Villa’s high-quality clinical services with an individual treatment plan and an extensive curriculum of treatment options, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, are ideal for individuals struggling with depression and other co-occurring disorders.
Our professional staff of therapists and clinicians work with residents and provide real-time coaching and encouragement, as well as help reinforce everyday social skills to promote personal motivation and confidence. To learn more about our depression treatment programs, call us or fill out our online form today, and an admissions specialist will be happy to answer any questions you might have.
