July 17, 2026
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, affecting millions of people each year. While many individuals experience significant improvement with antidepressant medications, therapy, or a combination of both, some continue to struggle despite receiving treatment.
If you've tried multiple antidepressants without meaningful relief, you may be living with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).
At Salt Meadow Psychiatry, we understand how frustrating this experience can be. The good news is that not responding to your first medication doesn't mean you've run out of treatment options. Advances in psychiatric care have made it possible to help many patients who previously felt they had nowhere else to turn.
Treatment-resistant depression is generally diagnosed when a person with major depressive disorder has not experienced significant improvement after trying at least two different antidepressant medications at appropriate doses and for an adequate amount of time.
This doesn't mean your depression is untreatable. It simply means your current treatment approach may need to change.
Depression is a complex medical condition, and every person's brain chemistry, genetics, medical history, and life experiences are different. Finding the most effective treatment sometimes requires a more personalized approach.
You may be experiencing treatment-resistant depression if:
If any of these sound familiar, it's important to know that additional treatment options are available.
There isn't one single reason why antidepressants may not work for everyone.
Several factors can influence treatment success, including:
Because depression affects everyone differently, treatment often requires ongoing evaluation and adjustment.
A psychiatrist performs a comprehensive evaluation before diagnosing treatment-resistant depression.
This typically includes reviewing:
This evaluation helps determine whether your depression is truly treatment-resistant or whether another treatment approach may be more appropriate.
Even if previous medications haven't worked, several effective treatment options remain available.
Depending on your individual situation, your psychiatrist may recommend:
Changing medications, adjusting dosages, or combining medications can sometimes improve symptoms.
Therapy remains an important part of treatment for many patients, even when medication changes are necessary.
Sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social support all contribute to mental wellness and may improve treatment outcomes.
Spravato® is an FDA-approved prescription medication specifically designed for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
Unlike traditional antidepressants, Spravato® works differently within the brain and may provide relief for patients who haven't responded to conventional medications.
Spravato® contains esketamine, a medication administered as a nasal spray under medical supervision.
Each treatment takes place in a certified medical office where patients are monitored to ensure safety and comfort throughout the visit.
Many patients appreciate that Spravato® offers an alternative when standard antidepressants haven't provided meaningful improvement.
Not every patient is a candidate, which is why a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is essential.
If you've been living with depression for months or years despite trying multiple medications, it may be time to explore additional treatment options.
You don't have to settle for feeling like your depression will never improve.
A psychiatrist can review your treatment history, determine whether you meet the criteria for treatment-resistant depression, and recommend the next steps based on your unique needs.
At Salt Meadow Psychiatry, we believe every patient deserves hope, even when previous treatments haven't worked.
Dr. Daniel Perry, MD, MPH provides comprehensive evaluations, medication management, and Spravato® therapy for eligible adults experiencing treatment-resistant depression throughout Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Wilmington Island, Effingham County, and surrounding Coastal Georgia communities.
Our goal is to help you find a treatment plan that supports long-term mental wellness and an improved quality of life.
If traditional antidepressants haven't worked for you, contact Salt Meadow Psychiatry today to schedule an evaluation.
Generally, treatment-resistant depression is diagnosed after two different antidepressants have been tried at appropriate doses and durations without significant improvement.
No. It simply means that your current treatment approach hasn't been effective. Many patients respond well to other medications or advanced treatments such as Spravato®.
Spravato® contains esketamine, a form of ketamine that has been approved by the FDA for treating treatment-resistant depression under strict medical supervision.
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is required to determine whether Spravato® is appropriate based on your diagnosis, medical history, and previous treatments.
Yes. Many patients benefit from combining medication management or Spravato® therapy with ongoing counseling for a comprehensive approach to care.
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