Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a common but serious mental health condition that affects millions of people. It can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. For some, traditional treatments aren’t effective, leading to a condition known as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). This page explains the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for MDD and TRD, including innovative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusion therapy.
MDD, often referred to as "clinical depression," goes beyond occasional sadness or feeling down. It’s a persistent mental health condition that disrupts daily life and requires medical attention.
The DSM-5 defines MDD as having at least five of the following symptoms for two weeks or longer. One of these must be either a depressed mood or a loss of interest in activities:
These symptoms must cause significant impairment in daily life to be considered MDD.
Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) occurs when someone with MDD does not respond to at least two different antidepressant medications taken at the proper dose and duration. For those with TRD, symptoms persist despite traditional treatments, leading to a greater impact on quality of life.
At Mind Spa Denver, we specialize in advanced, evidence-based treatments for MDD and TRD. Our goal is to help patients find relief when traditional approaches don’t work.
TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. It is FDA-approved and has been shown to be effective for people with depression who haven’t responded to medication.
Benefits of TMS:
Ketamine is a groundbreaking treatment for TRD. Administered via IV infusion, ketamine acts quickly to alleviate symptoms, sometimes within hours. Unlike traditional antidepressants, ketamine targets different pathways in the brain, making it a powerful option for those with severe depression or suicidal thoughts.
Benefits of Ketamine Therapy:
We provide expert evaluation and management of antidepressants and other psychiatric medications to ensure patients receive the most effective treatment.
Talk therapy is an essential part of treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). At Mind Spa Denver, we incorporate evidence-based therapy methods to complement advanced treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and ketamine infusion therapy. One innovative therapeutic approach we offer is the Comprehensive Resource Model (CRM®), which is particularly effective for addressing emotional trauma and chronic stress.
CRM® is a groundbreaking trauma treatment approach that helps individuals process deep emotional pain by connecting the brain's most primitive areas to its healthiest, most resilient aspects. This neuro-biologically informed therapy draws on the body’s innate healing resources, including:
