Pharmacogenomic Testing Brings Real-World Benefits for Depression Treatment
Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects one in five Americans during their lifetime, and while medication is the most common treatment, only about 40% of patients find relief with the first antidepressant they try. The journey to recovery often involves a…
Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the UTHealth Houston Treatment-Resistant Depression Program
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD On April 22, 2025, UTHealth Houston marks a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of its pioneering Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) Program. Launched in 2015 within the Louis A. Faillace, MD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral…
A New Consensus on Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD A newly published expert review is shedding light on how Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is changing the way we treat depression. This update, backed by leading medical groups like the National Network of…
Long-Term Success with Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Depression is relentless. For many, it’s a shadow that refuses to lift—even with medication, therapy, or even electroconvulsive therapy. However, a pioneering study from the UTHealth Houston Center for Interventional Psychiatry has been…
Raising Awareness, Breaking Stigma, and Spreading Hope in the World Bipolar Day
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Every year on March 30, people around the globe recognize World Bipolar Day, a powerful moment to educate, advocate, and amplify the voices of those living with bipolar disorder. The date was chosen…
Pragmatic Accelerated Theta-Burst Stimulation Shows Promise for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Introduction Major depressive disorder (MDD) affects millions worldwide, and for nearly half of these individuals, standard treatments such as medication and psychotherapy are insufficient. This condition, known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD), has prompted…
rTMS vs. Antidepressants: A New Path for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Introduction For individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—those who have not found relief with traditional antidepressants—the search for effective treatment options can be frustrating and exhausting. A recent randomized controlled trial by Dalhuisen et…
Effects of vagus nerve stimulation on daily function and quality of life in markedly treatment-resistant major depression
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Introduction Depression is a devastating illness, but for those with treatment-resistant depression (TRD)—a form of depression that does not respond to multiple treatment attempts—finding relief can feel nearly impossible. Traditional antidepressants, therapy, and…
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) might be a Lifesaving Treatment Option for Bipolar Disorder.
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Introduction Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been a subject of both fascination and controversy for decades. Often misunderstood due to its portrayal in popular media, ECT remains one of the most effective treatments for…
Key Insights from a Landmark Study Exploring Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
Written by Joao L. de Quevedo, MD, PhD Introduction Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains one of the most challenging conditions in psychiatry. With limited options for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments, researchers continue to explore novel interventions. One such…