Alternative, safe ways to treat depression

When it comes to treating treatment-resistant depression, there is a growing number of alternatives to daily medication available to individuals who feel the weight of their depression but are without a solution.

Depression can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life, and for some, medication may not be enough to improve their condition. Rosecrance Therapies provides two FDA-approved treatment options—Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Spravato—for those who have struggled with depression despite trying medications. It’s important to note that both options require the oversight of a trained behavioral health care professional.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

TMS therapy was first approved by the FDA in 2008 to treat depression. However, it has also been found to be effective in treating other mental health conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. TMS is a non-invasive therapy that operates outside the body by using a targeted magnetic field to stimulate specific parts of the brain. The treatment works by creating small electrical currents in the brain that stimulate underactive neurons. One of the main advantages of TMS therapy is that it is a safe and well-tolerated treatment that doesn’t require anesthesia.

The most common side effects reported by individuals receiving TMS therapy are mild-to-moderate scalp pain or discomfort at the treatment site. However, these side effects typically decrease markedly after the first week of treatment.

TMS therapy is a treatment option that is commonly administered over several weeks. Each session typically lasts around 20 minutes, and the number of sessions required varies depending on the client and the condition being treated. After each session, clients can return to normal activities immediately, making it a convenient treatment option. Treatments are done five days a week and usually take about six weeks. TMS therapy is over 70% effective in providing long-term relief from depression symptoms, making it a promising alternative to traditional treatments.

TMS therapy is a safe and effective treatment for depression and other mental health conditions. Its non-invasive nature, minimal side effects, and convenient treatment schedule offer a promising alternative to traditional therapies.

Spravato

One of the newer depression treatment-resistant alternatives is Spravato. It contains esketamine, the s-enantiomer of ketamine, and is used alongside oral antidepressant medications.

While the FDA approved ketamine in the 1970s, esketamine’s history of use is different. The FDA expanded the use of Spravato in 2020 to include the treatment of depressive symptoms in adults and major depressive disorder with suicidal ideation after approving it for treatment-resistant depression in 2019.

As a fast-acting nasal spray, it is necessary for any individual who receives the medication to be monitored by a medical professional during the treatment, which usually lasts for two hours. Treatments may be administered up to twice a week as the person begins taking the medication, and the positive effects of the medication can be felt within hours of taking the medication.

Spravato, which contains esketamine as its active ingredient, can cause mild side effects such as dizziness, nausea, lethargy, and vertigo. Spravato must be administered at a certified healthcare facility under the supervision of a medical professional.

Choosing what’s best

If you are experiencing treatment-resistant depression and traditional medication and therapy are not enough, combining Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) of Spravto with other treatments may help you find relief from your symptoms sooner and maintain that relief for a longer period. It is recommended that you discuss your options with your provider.

Rosecrance Therapies  offers a variety of specialty services to help treat mental health.