You might be wondering about treatment-resistant depression and what the term means. Have you tried multiple medications and still feel weighed down by persistent symptoms of depression, such as low or irritable mood, low energy, decreased enjoyment, sleep disturbance and appetite disturbance? That ongoing struggle has a name: treatment-resistant depression, a form of major depressive disorder that does not ease with standard approaches alone. Our goal is to explain what it means and to outline supportive options you can consider with our team.
At Chrysalis Psychiatry, our dedicated providers combine careful diagnostics with evidence-informed care, including TMS therapy delivered with NeuroStar technology when appropriate. We meet you where you are, review what you have already tried, and create a plan that respects both your history and your hopes. NeuroStar TMS offers a non-invasive path that may be added when medication has not delivered the relief you need.
Most clinicians use the term “treatment-resistant depression” (TRD) when someone with major depressive disorder has not achieved meaningful improvement after at least two adequate trials of antidepressant medication. “Adequate” means the right dose, for enough time, with good adherence. If your symptoms persist, such as low mood, loss of interest, sleep or appetite changes, difficulty concentrating, after several trials of antidepressants it may be time to reassess the strategy. This is where a conversation about NeuroStar TMS can enter the picture, alongside therapy and other support.
If you are evaluated for NeuroStar TMS treatment, we start with a thorough review: prior medications and doses, therapy history, co-occurring medical conditions, and daily routines that can influence mood. We also confirm whether previous trials were long enough to be considered adequate. People with certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, may be ineligible, and safety is always part of the discussion. During this visit, we explain how the device uses focused magnetic pulses (similar to MRI technology) to stimulate mood-related brain regions without surgery or anesthesia.
Your provider will walk you through what to expect: a mapped treatment location, brief daily sessions over several weeks, and mild, temporary scalp discomfort for some people. We keep the plan transparent and tailored, so you know how non-invasive brain stimulation is integrated into your overall care.
You might consider NeuroStar TMS if you have had limited benefit from multiple medications, if common side effects have made adherence difficult, or if you prefer a non-drug option to add to your plan. Sessions are performed in a comfortable outpatient setting, and you remain awake and able to drive afterward. Results typically emerge over four to six weeks, and some people continue to improve across the full course.
Our team will verify benefits and discuss costs; please note we do not accept Cigna insurance. If transcranial magnetic stimulation is a fit, we will coordinate scheduling and follow your progress closely. If it is not appropriate, we will outline alternatives and next steps, always centering your goals.
We can help you address treatment-resistant depression with a clear evaluation and plan. You deserve clear answers and a path that reflects your experience. If you believe your symptoms align with this pattern, we invite you to meet with us to review your history and discuss options in detail. Our providers will help you understand whether TMS therapy belongs in your care plan and what results to realistically expect.
