Presenter Classification
Graduate Student
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Start Date
22-4-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
22-4-2026 3:00 PM
Keywords
Treatment Resistant Depression, Anti-psychotics, Ketamine, Esketamine, Psilocybin, Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Electroconvulsive Therapy
Abstract Type
Scientific Literature Review
Abstract
Abstract
Currently, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) often defer to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for individuals with TRD who fail to achieve resolution of their disorder. However, many individuals do not meet criteria for ECT or decline the treatment due to side effects and associated risks. To synthesize potential alternative treatments and address the current gap in literature that does not include first-line preferred electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). Databases searched for this review included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Complete), PubMed®, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Search terms included “treatment resistant depression,” “treatment,” “therapy,” “intervention,” “anti-psychotics,” “antidepressants,” “ketamine,” “esketamine,” “psilocybin,” “vagus nerve stimulation,” and “ECT.” Of the records screened (n = 3,252), eligible reports (n = 559) were further refined to exclude non-English texts (n = 124), not relevant to the research question (n = 81), author(s) opinion (n = 77), and undesired patient population (n = 277). The remaining (n = 5) studies were included in this review. Aripiprazole, a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) when used as a supplementation to antidepressant therapy decreased TRD symptoms. Extended-release ketamine tablets resulted improvement of TRD symptoms and relapse rates, while intranasal esketamine provided sustained positive effects on TRD symptoms. Single-dose psilocybin provided rapid symptom relief and sustained remission. Lastly, neuromodulation involving surgically implanted vagus nerve stimulation was proven effective in reducing TRD symptoms when compared to sham-participants.
PowerPoint Version
Included in
A Systematic Literature Review on Alternative Treatment Modalities in Adults with Treatment Resistant Depression
Abstract
Currently, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) often defer to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for individuals with TRD who fail to achieve resolution of their disorder. However, many individuals do not meet criteria for ECT or decline the treatment due to side effects and associated risks. To synthesize potential alternative treatments and address the current gap in literature that does not include first-line preferred electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), a systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA 2020). Databases searched for this review included the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL Complete), PubMed®, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Search terms included “treatment resistant depression,” “treatment,” “therapy,” “intervention,” “anti-psychotics,” “antidepressants,” “ketamine,” “esketamine,” “psilocybin,” “vagus nerve stimulation,” and “ECT.” Of the records screened (n = 3,252), eligible reports (n = 559) were further refined to exclude non-English texts (n = 124), not relevant to the research question (n = 81), author(s) opinion (n = 77), and undesired patient population (n = 277). The remaining (n = 5) studies were included in this review. Aripiprazole, a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) when used as a supplementation to antidepressant therapy decreased TRD symptoms. Extended-release ketamine tablets resulted improvement of TRD symptoms and relapse rates, while intranasal esketamine provided sustained positive effects on TRD symptoms. Single-dose psilocybin provided rapid symptom relief and sustained remission. Lastly, neuromodulation involving surgically implanted vagus nerve stimulation was proven effective in reducing TRD symptoms when compared to sham-participants.
