Major depressive disorder is a serious debilitating mental health condition affecting 10-15% of the population per year. This illness, typified by persistently depressed mood and reduced interest in daily activities, causes significant functional impairments and diminished quality of life. Pharmacological treatment options for depression remain limited due to the inadequate development of new classes of antidepressants and the inability of existing medications on the market to fully allay symptoms of depression in every individual. Patients with treatment-resistant depression, characterized by insufficient control of their symptoms after two adequate trials (both in dosage and duration) of two different classes of antidepressant therapy, are particularly vulnerable. Research shows that these individuals have poor functional outcomes, with increased rates of unemployment, suicidal ideation, substance misuse, and unstable relationships. Click here to read the whole article.