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Depression Treatment Advancements While effective treatments for depression are available, researchers are working on new and better ways to treat the condition. This special Research in Context will explore some of the depression treatment advances. Psychotherapy helps ease depression symptoms by teaching people the skills to manage negative thoughts and emotions. Talk Iam Psychiatry can be done one-on-one with a health professional or in a group setting. Precision mental healthcare The term “precision” means bringing more exactness or accuracy to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment methods. For mental health, this includes various approaches ranging from psychotherapy to medications. Many of these strategies focus on the symptoms of the disorder, rather than its root causes. This can lead to treatments that do nothing more than alleviate symptoms, without addressing the root causes of mental illness. Fortunately, the field of precision mental health is rapidly developing. It's similar to the method that is used in other areas, such as incorporating constant monitoring of important indicators (e.g. fever or blood pressure) into the clinical practice. It also involves combining a variety of data sources and applying machine learning to aid physicians better understand a patient's unique needs and develop more efficient treatment plans. Precision psychiatry uses EEG to evaluate brain function and determine the ability of a patient to engage in cognitive therapy for behavioral problems. A new class of drugs referred to as NMDA receptor inhibitors can reduce symptoms of depression by preventing the neurotransmitter, glutamate, from reaching certain brain cells. Another potential advance is the use of pharmacogenetic testing to determine interactions between genes and drugs and avoid unfavorable side effects. In addition, a lot of companies are looking into digital precision psychiatry, which makes use of objective digital technologies to monitor patients remotely and collect real-time data that aids in guiding the treatment they receive. For instance, one company is using artificial intelligence to monitor compliance and optimize dosages for their patients suffering from depression. These solutions have the possibility of improving accessibility and effectiveness in mental healthcare as well as improving the patient's adherence to treatment. Moreover digital precision psychiatry may assist in overcoming the barriers to treatment for people who suffer from mental illness, specifically those working. For example, a Johnson & Johnson initiative in Singapore is working with other organizations to aid in the reintegration of those recovering from depression into their work environments and communities. This will help them keep their job, which is vital for the recovery of mental health. Medication Many people who suffer from depression find that medication helps relieve their symptoms, especially those who are suffering from extreme or debilitating symptoms. Antidepressants help restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that are chemical messengers that regulate mood and emotions. Most current antidepressants target one of these neurotransmitters and increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibition (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Zoloft increase the amount of serotonin, a chemical in the brain. SNRIs such as Cymbalta, Effexor and Cymbalta focus on both norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Monoamine Oxase inhibitors such as Wellbutrin concentrate on dopamine only and norepinephrine. Most doctors prescribe antidepressants in order to combat depression as a primary treatment, in addition to talk therapy. Some of these therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which helps improve your mood and thoughts by teaching specific skills or psychotherapy for interpersonal relationships (which focuses on improving relationships). Other therapies such as electroconvulsive (ECT) therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) have also proven to be effective in treating depression. However, some people do not respond to the initial medications that doctors prescribe. Up to a third of people suffering from depression do not receive any relief from their first medication and around 40 percent of those who begin taking antidepressants cease within three months. The good news is that research has helped doctors predict which kind of medication 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 a wider range of options and higher dosages that help reduce negative effects. Modern antidepressants, such as esketamine, brexanolone, and Nefazodone help to reduce depression symptoms. Other medications are undergoing clinical trials that could alter the way they're used. A drug known as Vorapaxar is being studied on humans. It targets a distinct part of the brain that is which is a source of depression, by blocking NMDA-receptors. It's scheduled to be available by 2024. Another medication that has shown potential is a combination of bupropion and ketamine. This may be more effective in treating treatment-resistant depression. Psychotherapy Psychologists have been able identify certain factors that cause depression, including deficiency in the neurotransmitters serotonin as well as norepinephrine. These chemicals are crucial in regulating mood and emotions as in 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 ease many of depression-related symptoms, including depressed feelings and fatigue, and improve sleep, appetite, and energy levels. However, they aren't without adverse effects that can cause them to be unsuitable for certain people. Psychotherapy can be used to tackle the primary causes of depression and help people manage their depression better. Cognitive behavioral therapy and ketamine therapy are two types of therapy that have been proven to decrease depression symptoms. Psychotherapy can also help patients learn a healthier coping style and help them manage stressors. Cost, scheduling restrictions and a shortage of mental health providers can limit access to psychotherapy. Telehealth services have made it easier for many people. The biggest challenge in overcoming depression is finding the best combination of treatment. It can take up to 12 weeks to know whether your medication is effective. Medication alone might not be enough to alleviate all your symptoms. There are many nonpharmacologic treatments available like transcranial magnetic stimulation as well as vagus nerve stimulation. These treatments employ electromagnetic fields in order to improve mood and increase the brain's chemistry. It's crucial to be in close contact with your doctor, regardless of whether you're looking to try therapy or medication. Discuss your feelings and thoughts, and the risks and potential side effects associated with each option. Find a service that can meet your requirements in case you're having difficulty establishing trust with your therapist or doctor. A service that offers a free trial period can also be a good option, as it offers you the opportunity to try out different approaches before committing. You'll eventually discover a method that is effective for you and will make you feel better. Brain stimulation In the span of just a few years, scientists have discovered new ways to target certain brain regions and alter their functions quickly. These techniques can be used to treat depression and other mental disorders, as well as a variety of physical illnesses. rTMS is a technique that utilizes electromagnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity. It's similar to magnetic impulses used in an MRI however it's not powerful enough to cause a seizure. The method is achieved by stimulating a specific area of the head with an unpainful magnet. The pulses affect the way that the brain communicates, making it easier for you to feel better. The treatment only takes 3.5 minutes, and will not disrupt your daily routine. There may be a slight headache following the treatment. Another treatment involves putting electrodes in the brain to send out painless electric zaps. Deep transcranial stimulation (deep-TMS) is a treatment that has been used to treat OCD and to quit smoking. Recent studies suggest that it could reduce depression symptoms in some individuals. It's not known how this treatment works however, it seems to alter the balance of certain Neurotransmitters. Other methods of brain stimulation that are not invasive are also getting better. For example the results of a recent study revealed that patients with severe depression who were not tolerant to antidepressants responded to the treatment with magnetic pulses called SAINT. It is individualized for each patient's brain anatomy, and uses high-dose magnetic pulse patterns. The treatment can be delivered in just a few hours, while previous treatments required regular sessions spread over months or weeks. The researchers used fMRI to pinpoint the exact area of the brain that was being stimulated in every patient. They also studied minute differences in the activation of the various brain regions, which allowed them to determine the direction of the signals. They discovered that the anterior cingulate cortical sent signals to the subgenual cortex of depressed people. But these messages were often misdirected and the more severe the depression was, the more of these signals that were not directed in the right direction were.