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Depression Treatment Advancements Researchers are always working to improve treatment for depression. This special Research in Context will explore some of the advancements in depression treatment. Psychotherapy can help ease depression symptoms by educating the person how to deal with negative thoughts and feelings. Talk therapy can be performed one-on-one with a health professional or in a group setting. Precision mental healthcare Precision is the ability to be more precise or precise in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment methods. In the context of mental health, it could encompass a variety of strategies, from medication to psychotherapy. However, many of these strategies tend to focus on the repercussions of the disorder instead of its root causes. This could lead to treatments that do little more than alleviate symptoms, but they do not address the underlying factors that contribute to mental illness in the first place. Fortunately, the field of precision mental health is rapidly evolving. It's comparable to the approach which has been used in other areas of healthcare that include continuous monitoring of vital indicators into the clinical setting (e.g. fever, temperature or blood pressure). It also includes combining multiple data sources and applying machine learning to help physicians better understand a patient's specific needs and create more efficient treatment plans. One example of precision psychiatry is the use of EEG to determine brain activity and assist doctors assess the ability of a person to participate in cognitive behavioral therapy. Another example is a brand new class of drugs called NMDA receptor antagonists, which can prevent the neurotransmitter glutamate from reaching certain brain cells and reduce symptoms of depression. The test can also be used to determine drug-gene interaction and prevent unfavorable effects. In addition, a lot of companies are exploring the concept of digital precision psychiatry, which makes use of objective digital technology to monitor patients remotely and collect real-time information that can guide the treatment they receive. One company, for instance utilizes artificial intelligence to monitor the adherence of medication and optimize dosages for patients suffering from depression. These kinds of solutions have the potential to significantly improve the accessibility and efficiency of mental health care and also improve adherence to treatment. Furthermore digital precision psychiatry may help overcome obstacles to treatment for those who suffer from mental illness, especially those working. Johnson & Johnson, for instance, is working with organizations in Singapore to support the reintegration process of those recovering from depression back into their work. This will allow them to keep their jobs, which are essential to a successful recovery. Medication Many people who suffer from depression find that medication eases their symptoms. This is particularly relevant if the symptoms are acute or incapacitating. Antidepressants aid in restoring the balance of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers within the brain that regulate mood and emotions. holistic depression treatment focus on one of these neurotransmitters, boosting levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Prozac and Zoloft increase the levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain. SNRIs such as Cymbalta, Effexor and Cymbalta focus on both norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Monoamine oxidase inhibitions such as Wellbutrin target only dopamine and norepinephrine. The majority of doctors prescribe antidepressants to combat depression as a primary treatment, along with talk therapy. Some of these therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps improve the quality of your thoughts and feelings by teaching specific techniques or psychotherapy for interpersonal relations (which is focused on improving relationships). Other therapies such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have also been proven to be effective at treating depression. Some people, however, don't respond to the initial medications that doctors prescribe. Up to one-third of patients suffering from depression don't get relief from the first medication they take and 40% of people who start taking antidepressants discontinue them within three months. The good news is that research has helped doctors predict the type of medication that is most effective for each person, using blood or MRI tests to determine which receptors are the most affected by the depression. The quality of medication has improved in recent years, with more options and better doses to help minimize side effects. Modern antidepressants, such as esketamine and brexanolone as well as Nefazodone help to reduce depression symptoms. Clinical trials are being conducted on other drugs which could alter the ways they are used. A drug known as Vorapaxar is being tested on humans. It targets a distinct part of the brain that is associated with depression, by blocking NMDA-receptors. It's anticipated to be available by 2024. Another medication that has demonstrated promise is a combination of bupropion and ketamine, which may be more effective in treating depression that is resistant to treatment. Psychotherapy Psychologists have discovered certain factors that can cause depression. These include imbalances in the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. These chemicals are crucial in regulating mood and emotions as well as the general function of the brain. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are the main treatment options. They can alleviate many symptoms of depression, including depressed mood, fatigue and sleep issues. However, they do have adverse effects that can make them unsuitable for certain people. Psychotherapy can be used to address the causes of depression and help people cope better. A variety of therapies have been proven to reduce symptoms, including cognitive behavioral therapy and the ketamine infusion therapy. In addition, psychotherapy can help people develop a more healthy coping style and reduce stressors. However, access to psychotherapy can be limited by cost and scheduling limitations as well as a shortage of mental health providers. The recent rise of telehealth services has improved access for some individuals. Finding the right treatment combination is key to overcoming depression. The use of medication alone isn't enough to relieve all of your symptoms, and it could take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks before you are able to tell if a drug is working. There are a variety of nonpharmacologic treatments options, including transcranial magnetic stimulation that is repeated and vagus nervous stimulation. These treatments employ electromagnetic fields to stimulate the brain's natural chemistry and improve mood. It's crucial to collaborate closely with your doctor, regardless of whether you're looking to try medication or therapy. Discuss your feelings and thoughts, and the potential risks and adverse consequences that are associated with each. If you're having a difficult to establish a trusting relationship with your therapist or doctor Find a provider who can meet your needs. You can also choose a clinic that provides a trial period for free. This will allow you to try different approaches before committing. You'll eventually discover a method which works for you and will make you feel better. Brain stimulation In just a few years scientists have found new ways to target certain brain areas and change their function rapidly. These methods can be used to treat depression and other mental disorders as well as some physical ailments. One approach is called rTMS, which uses electromagnetic pulses to stimulate the brain. It's similar in concept to the magnetic impulses used in an MRI however it's not powerful enough to cause a seizure. The method works by stimulating a specific area of the head with a non-painful magnet. The pulses change the way that your brain processes and help you feel better. The therapy takes only 3.5 minutes, and will not interfere with your normal routine. There may be a slight headache following the therapy. Another option is to implant electrodes in the brain to send painless zaps of electricity. Deep transcranial stimulation (deep-TMS) is an option that has been used to treat OCD and to quit smoking. It's still being studied for depression, but early studies suggest it may reduce depression symptoms in a few people. The mechanism behind this treatment isn't completely clear, but it seems to work by altering the balance of certain neurotransmitters. Other types of noninvasive brain stimulation are growing also. For example, a recent study found that patients suffering from severe depression who were resistant to antidepressants responded to an electromagnet treatment known as SAINT. It is individualized to the specific anatomy of each patient's brain and utilizes high-dose patterns of magnetic pulses. The treatment can be completed within a couple of hours, while previous treatments required daily sessions over months or weeks. Researchers used FMRI to identify exactly the region of the brain that was being stimulated in every patient. They also analyzed minute differences in how the brain's different regions were activated which allowed them to determine the direction of signals. They found that in depressed people the brain's anterior cortex cortex sent signals to an area called the subgenual cingulate cortex. These messages were often incorrectly directed. The more severe the depression the more signals were sent in the wrong direction.