Treatment-resistant depression: what happens when antidepressants do not work?

Priya (name changed), 32, from Kerala, had been struggling with recurring episodes of depression that affected her ability to carry out everyday activities. Despite taking medication for several weeks, she continued to experience symptoms. With her symptoms persisting, she sought further medical advice and is now undergoing repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) . This non-invasive procedure uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain.

Priya’s experience reveals a challenge in managing depression, say experts. While antidepressants help many people, some continue to experience symptoms despite treatment, requiring doctors to reassess the diagnosis and consider other interventions.

Depression can involve persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, disturbed sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite and can affect one’s ability to work, maintain relationships and manage everyday activities.