Treatment-Resistant Depression

Best Treatment Options: IV Ketamine, Spravato, TMS and VNS

When traditional treatments fall short, Breakthru offers new hope

There’s no single reason why you would get depression, nor is there one solution that works for everyone. If nothing else is helping, contact Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions in Sandy Springs and Alpharetta, Georgia. Our doctors specialize in treatment-resistant depression, using innovative therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), IV Ketamine, Spravato, and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS). We work with you to create a plan that will succeed in breaking through your treatment-resistant depression. To find out more, call Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions or request an appointment online today.

The Problem - Treatment-Resistant Depression Among U.S. Adults
Treatment Resistant Depression (TRD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
30-40% Treatment Resistant Depression
Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) typically refers to MDD patients with an inadequate response to more than two medications.
In Georgia, this translates to 600,000 +/- adults in Metro Atlanta with TRD

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) occurs when your condition does not improve despite trying various combinations of therapies. This issue affects more than 40% of patients with depression. While many people benefit from talk therapies and medications, some struggle to find effective treatments. Interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address life issues and teach coping techniques. Antidepressant medications are often crucial for recovery, but not everyone finds one that works. If you’ve tried several therapies and medications without success, our doctors’ expertise in TRD may help.

How is treatment-resistant depression treated?

Breakthru Psychiatric Solutions offers advanced treatments for treatment-resistant depression, including:

  • IV Ketamine Therapy: IV Ketamine is an anesthetic with powerful mental health benefits. Delivered through a 30-minute IV infusion, it boosts glutamate, triggering neural plasticity — helping the brain form new connections, adapt, and improve mood, behavior, and cognition.
  • Spravato: Spravato is a nasal spray that contains esketamine, a refined form of ketamine. It works by increasing levels of glutamate, the most abundant chemical messenger in the brain, causing an increase in neurotransmitters and more synapses, so your brain can function optimally.
  • Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain regions involved in mood regulation. Dr. Giles places an electromagnetic coil on your head, sending pulses that painlessly reach these areas.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): The vagus nerve is connected to areas of the brain associated with controlling mood. VNS involves an implanted device that stimulates the vagus nerve in your neck by regularly sending mild pulses, improving symptoms of treatment-resistant unipolar and bipolar depression.

Let's connect to find out how you can overcome treatment-resistant depression.

*Breakthru does not provide medication management and offers the interventional therapies listed above in conjunction with the support of your primary psychiatrist or PCP.