Finding Hope: New Treatment Options for Severe Depression
Recently, our own Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Brittany Ullman, joined WJZ TV to discuss severe depression, its connection to suicide risk, and the life-changing treatments available today. Her message was clear: awareness saves lives, and help is available.
Understanding Severe Depression and Its Impact
Severe depression is more than feeling sad or having a difficult week. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2022), an estimated 20.6% of U.S. adults will experience Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) at some point in their lives. The statistics are sobering. Among those with depression, 87.9% report difficulty with work, home, or social activities, while 31.2% experience extreme difficulty functioning.
The disorder disproportionally affects women, with 26.1% experiencing depression compared to 14.7% of men. But perhaps most concerning is that despite this widespread burden, only 40% of adults with depression received counseling or therapy in the past year.
The picture is even more alarming for young people. At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we see firsthand how severe depression can disconnect teens from the support they desperately need. According to CDC (2022), 56.1% of teens who experienced a major depressive episode received no mental health treatment whatsoever. No therapy, no medication, no support. Among those with severe depression, only 28% received consistent treatment throughout the year.
Traditional Treatment Options Still Matter
Managing severe depression typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. This includes balanced nutrition, restorative sleep, and regular exercise. These approaches remain foundational and effective for many people.
However, the reality is that 30–50% of individuals with MDD may have only partial response to these traditional treatments. Even more concerning, approximately 10–20% don’t respond at all. Many of these patients have tried multiple medications without significant improvement, leaving them feeling frustrated and hopeless.
This is where awareness becomes critical. With nearly half of individuals suffering from depression not seeking or receiving adequate care, it’s vital that people know about the full range of treatment options available, especially when traditional approaches fall short.
What Is TMS and How Does It Work?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment for Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It is particularly effective for individuals who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. TMS has been FDA-approved for severe depression for more than 17 years and has become an essential option for people living with treatment-resistant depression.
Here’s how it works. TMS uses gentle, targeted magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in mood regulation, motivation, and engagement. During treatment, patients sit comfortably in an upright chair while their provider places treatment wand on the left side of the scalp. The magnetic pulses—often described as feeling like light taps—are administered in sessions that typically last 3 to 18 minutes.
The best part? It’s non-invasive. Patients can drive themselves home immediately after treatment and resume all normal daily activities. Side effects are minimal and temporary, usually limited to mild headache or scalp tingling. TMS is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment that offers renewed hope when other approaches haven’t been successful.
Why TMS Matters in Treating Severe Depression
While therapy and medication remain important tools, they simply don’t work for everyone. About 40% of patients receiving traditional care do not respond adequately. Many continue to struggle with symptoms that remain debilitating. This can affect their relationships, their ability to work, and their sense of hope for the future.
This is more than a clinical challenge; it’s a human one. Depression is linked to over 66% of suicide attempts (CDC, 2022), underscoring the urgent need for effective, accessible alternatives.
TMS offers real results: 50-60% of patients experience significant improvement after TMS therapy, and 35-40% of patients reach full remission. TMS can help restore function and improve quality of life, often without the side effects associated with medication.
Hope Is Available at Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness
In a landscape where nearly half of those with severe depression aren’t receiving adequate care, expanding awareness of treatments like TMS isn’t just important, it’s essential. At Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, we’re successfully treating patients 15 and older for Major Depressive Disorder with TMS therapy, and we’re seeing remarkable results.
If you or someone you love is struggling with severe depression that hasn’t responded to traditional treatments, know this: there is hope. TMS represents a powerful option for people who have been told they’re “treatment-resistant” or who feel like they’ve tried everything. You don’t have to continue suffering in silence.
Breaking the silence around mental health and connecting people with trusted mental health organizations ready to provide support is how we save lives. At Gladstone, we’re here to offer that support and high-quality care.
Watch Brittany Ullman’s full interview on WJZ TV below to learn more about severe depression and the hope that TMS therapy provides.
