How does the concept of "treatment augmentation" work in depressive disorders?

The concept of "treatment augmentation" in depressive disorders primarily involves enhancing the efficacy of an existing treatment regimen. This is achieved by adding a second medication or therapy to the current treatment. When a patient does not achieve sufficient response from a single antidepressant, augmentation strategies can help improve outcomes.

For instance, if a patient is on an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) and shows partial improvement but still struggles with depressive symptoms, a clinician might decide to add a second medication such as an atypical antipsychotic or another class of antidepressant. The additional medication can target different neurotransmitter systems or can enhance the antidepressant effect of the first medication, leading to better symptom management.

This strategy is particularly beneficial because it acknowledges that depression is a complex condition often requiring a multifaceted treatment approach. By combining therapies, clinicians aim to optimize the therapeutic response and address treatment-resistant depression more effectively.