When using antidepressant medicine is not enough to help

Add-on therapies may make a difference for those with depression

In the United States, an estimated 17.3 million American adults suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), or depression. Depression is a serious mental illness characterized by symptoms that last at least two weeks, cause significant functional impairment, and can occur, on and off, anywhere from months to years.

“Although depression affects each individual patient differently, it generally impacts how they feel, think and behave. Depression may also be associated with physical symptoms, such as fatigue, body aches and changes in sleep and appetite,” says Dr. Vladimir Maletic, a leading psychiatrist and clinical professor of psychiatry at University of South Carolina School of Medicine.

Depression causes, diagnosis, and treatment

Dr. Maletic explains that depression can affect anyone and does not have a single cause. In fact, current research suggests that depression results from an interaction of life adversity and genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Diagnosis of depression is primarily based on a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. Physical exam, imaging studies and lab tests may provide supportive information or help with differential diagnosis. Most commonly a clinician relies on a combination of these diagnostic methods.

“While treatment differs for each patient, it typically includes psychotherapy, medications such as antidepressants, add-on therapies or some combination of these methods for some period of time, as decided by a patient and their health care provider. Quite often additional treatment recommendations include exercise, dietary changes, meditation, and other wellness-promoting practices. Furthermore, it is very important to identify and properly address other psychiatric and general medical disorders as they may worsen the course of illness,” says Dr. Maletic.

When antidepressants alone may not be enough

Despite taking an antidepressant, many people may still suffer from symptoms of depression. If a patient has been on an antidepressant and is still dealing with symptoms of depression, it’s important that they talk to their health care provider about what treatment options may be right for them. It’s essential that patients keep providers informed about their symptoms so they can make dosage adjustments, switch or add on therapies, as needed.

Some patients on an antidepressant may still experience depressive symptoms. This means that a patient may have made some progress with their current treatment regimen, but still struggles with lingering symptoms of depression. This is sometimes called “partial response.”

“Having a partial response to an antidepressant is not uncommon and I encourage patients to speak with their health care team if they continue to experience their depressive symptoms on an antidepressant. It is important that patients know that there are additional options,” says Dr. Maletic.

Brandpoint Despite taking an antidepressant, many people may still suffer from symptoms of depression.