Struggling with depression that doesn’t respond to medication or therapy? You’re not alone. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) affects millions of people, but new, FDA-approved options like TMS and Spravato are offering real hope and life-changing results.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States, but for many people, standard treatments like antidepressants and talk therapy are not enough. Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is typically diagnosed when a patient has tried at least two different antidepressant medications without significant improvement.
TRD can be overwhelming. It may lead to:
If this sounds familiar, know that you are not alone—and that other options exist.
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Treatment is a noninvasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain involved in mood regulation. Unlike medication, TMS directly targets underactive neural pathways in the brain that contribute to depression.
TMS therapy offers lasting changes to brain activity, helping patients regain energy, motivation, and emotional stability without the daily side effects of medications.
Spravato® (esketamine) is an innovative, FDA-approved nasal spray derived from ketamine. Originally approved in 2019 as an add-on to antidepressants, in 2025 the FDA expanded approval for Spravato therapy to be used as a stand-alone treatment for TRD.
Common Side Effects: Mild dissociation, dizziness, drowsiness, or nausea. These typically resolve within hours.
Both treatments are powerful options for TRD, but they work in different ways:
When used together, TMS and Spravato may offer the best of both worlds: rapid relief from Spravato plus long-term stability from TMS.
Wondering if TMS or Spravato might be right for you? Here are signs you may be living with TRD:
If these sound familiar, it may be time to explore advanced treatments.
For too long, patients with TRD have had limited options. The approval of Spravato as a stand-alone treatment and the proven long-term benefits of TMS mean that patients now have real, science-backed alternatives when standard treatments fail.
At Georgia Behavioral Health, we’re proud to offer both TMS and Spravato to our community—because no one should have to live with the weight of untreated depression.
JNJ.com – Spravato (esketamine) approved in the U.S. as the first and only monotherapy for adults with treatment-resistant depression.
JAMA Psychiatry, July 2025 – Esketamine Monotherapy Outperforms Placebo for TRD.
Yes. TMS is FDA-approved and considered very safe, with minimal side effects.
Some patients notice improvement within 24 hours.
Yes. Many patients benefit from combination care, but treatment plans are individualized.
Not exactly. While both are derived from ketamine, Spravato is FDA-approved, nasal-based, and only available in certified clinics—while IV ketamine is off-label and varies by provider.