For most people, the combination of antidepressant medications and psychotherapy provides significant relief from their depression. However, standard treatment doesn’t always work. Some people may not experience symptom relief through antidepressant medicines and talk therapy. Fortunately, there are several alternative treatments for depression that have proven effective.
At Bella Jace, our highly trained providers are here to assist patients in enhancing their mental well-being. By taking a supportive approach with renowned psychological techniques, our trained professionals can help patients in all areas of their lives.
We’ll discuss alternative treatments that psychiatrists in Nashville, TN, recommend below in further detail.
Ketamine is an FDA-approved anesthetic that’s been used worldwide for more than 50 years. It also acts as a medication with antidepressant properties. While Ketamine is not considered a first-line therapy method for depression, it can be used to treat severe cases that haven’t responded to conventional medications or therapies.
The antidepressant medication is administered through a slow, constant intravenous (IV) drip that produces calming and therapeutic effects on the regions of the brain that control mood and behavior. Treatment schedules are determined by the provider, but patients typically receive three treatments in the first week, two in the second week, and then one a week for three weeks. Each session takes about 90 minutes, including a period of observation before a patient is sent home.
Because of its quick and lasting relief, it’s been called one of the most important breakthroughs in treating depression in recent years.
Patients looking for alternative treatments for depression should consider transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive method of brain stimulation relies on electromagnetic induction using an insulated coil placed over the scalp, focused on the area of the brain that plays a role in mood regulation. The coil is responsible for generating magnetic pulses that pass easily through the skull onto the brain. When these pulses are administered in succession, it is referred to as “repetitive TMS” or “rTMS.”
rTMS has been proven to be a safe procedure effective for patients with depression who have not benefited from antidepressant medications. It was cleared for use by the FDA in 2008 and is widely available at clinics and hospitals across the country.
Spravato, also known as esketamine, was approved by the FDA in 2019 for adults with treatment-resistant depression. It can also help treat depressive symptoms in adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder and those who suffer from suicidal thoughts or actions.
This medication is different from other antidepressants as it is a nasal spray rather than a pill. It works by targeting the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which plays a role in mood regulation. Spravato is meant to be taken in conjunction with an oral replacement to supplement your current treatment, not a replacement.
Spravato is typically administered as a four-month course, though some patients may choose to continue treatment past this time frame. The treatment plan begins with two sessions a week in the first month, with the second month of treatment at one session per week. In the third month, Spravato treatment is reduced to once every one or two weeks.
If you want to learn more about non-traditional treatments for depression, schedule an appointment with one of our practitioners.
At Bella Jace Center, our professional and experienced providers are trained to provide a holistic mind-body approach to your mental wellness. We take the time to ensure your treatment is tailored to your exact needs. We are committed to providing our patients in Nashville, TN, with premium, compassionate care and a nonjudgemental environment.
