Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is a type of major depressive disorder (MDD). It happens when at least two different first-line antidepressants aren’t enough to manage the condition during a depressive episode. The two treatments must be of adequate dosage and duration (at least six to eight weeks) before a health-care provider can diagnose TRD.
First-line antidepressants for the treatment of MDD are usually SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors). This is because they generally have fewer and less severe side effects compared to other antidepressants. TRD can develop in people who were previously responsive to antidepressant medications.
Despite its name, there are treatment options available for TRD, but it may take time to find the right one for you.
Approximately 30 percent of people who’ve been diagnosed with MDD and who’ve tried medications for MDD have treatment-resistant depression. MDD is one of the most common mental health conditions. It affects 5 percent to 17 percent of people at some point in their lives.