48% of depression cases are treatment-resistant

A new study has found that nearly half of people diagnosed with depression don't respond to common antidepressant treatments. Researchers from the University of Birmingham reported that 48% of patients had tried at least two different antidepressants, while 37% had tried four or more. This condition is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It is usually defined as depression that does not improve after trying two different medications. Currently, there are few guidelines on how to effectively treat TRD. Many patients shared their feelings during interviews for the study. They expressed a sense of hopelessness after trying various treatments that did not work. Some patients feel frustrated with the standard approach that does not take individual differences into account. Kiranpreet Gill, a Ph.D. researcher, emphasized the need for better treatment options. She noted that the experience of struggling to find effective treatments can worsen feelings of hopelessness. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to consider TRD when making treatment decisions. The study also revealed that people with TRD face higher risks for other mental health and physical issues. They are 35% more likely to have personality disorders and 46% more likely to suffer from heart disease. Barriers to effective care contribute to these outcomes, making it vital to seek better treatment pathways. Professor Steven Marwaha, a co-author of the study, pointed out the importance of developing new care options for patients with TRD. The researchers are part of a center aimed at finding innovative treatments for those with mental health challenges, particularly in diverse and underserved populations.