It can be incredibly disheartening when you’ve tried treatment after treatment, only to find that your depression is worsening. This feeling of helplessness can be exacerbated by the fact that, for many people, the traditional treatments for depression have proven themselves ineffectual against their condition.
If this sounds like a situation you’re facing right now, know that you are not alone—and there are other options. Let’s look at what it means to have treatment-resistant depression and how you can get back on track toward improved mental wellness.
What is Treatment-Resistant Depression?
Suppose you have depression and are either not responding well to treatment or your symptoms are worsening. In that case, this can be a sign of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) – a type of major depressive disorder (MDD) that does not respond to typical antidepressant medications or therapies.
Depression and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) can have similar symptoms, including:
- an inability to concentrate
- persistent feelings of guilt or worthlessness
- lack of pleasure or interest in life
- fatigue; difficulty sleeping or insomnia
- suicidal thoughts or ideation
However, what sets TRD apart from MDD is its worsening and more severe symptoms, making it more difficult to function daily. TRD may also be accompanied by more frequent thoughts of suicide, which can be dangerous and require immediate attention.
Patients with TRD may require more specialized and intensive treatments, such as Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP), Intramuscular Ketamine Injections (IM), or Spravato (Esketamine), to help them break through and achieve renewed wellness.
If your depression symptoms persist or worsen after trying different medications and therapeutic approaches, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately and find the right treatment plan for your needs.
How Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy and Intensive Outpatient Program at New U Therapy Can Help
If traditional treatments for MDD haven’t been successful for you, it might be time to consider alternative options such as Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP).
During KAP sessions, medication containing ketamine (used medicinally since the 1950s) is administered orally using lozenges at home or via IV infusion in office.
Ketamine helps reset the brain’s neural pathways by blocking the receptors responsible for causing negative emotional states like anxiety and depression while leaving positive emotions unaffected. The effects are fast-acting and can last up to several weeks after just one session, without long-term side effects or addiction risk associated with traditional antidepressants.
In addition to KAP, New U Therapy also offers an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). This program takes a community and evidence-based approach centered on TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), connection, and accountability between members struggling with similar issues related to mental health challenges like TRD.
To ensure optimal results, ketamine IM injections and Spravato (esketamine) nasal spray are available to participants, alongside individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals.
It’s Time to Treat Your Treatment-Resistant Depression
When everything else fails, it can feel disheartening—but there are still effective ways to overcome even treatment-resistant cases of depression!
If nothing else has worked for you, don’t give up hope! There is still help available at New U Therapy to reclaim your life from the grips of depression.