What is the primary purpose of therapy augmentation in treating depression?

Therapy augmentation in treating depression primarily aims to enhance treatment efficacy when the initial treatment is insufficient. This approach is often employed when a patient does not achieve adequate improvement from their first-line antidepressant medication alone. Augmentation strategies may involve adding another antidepressant, incorporating a mood stabilizer, or utilizing psychotherapy alongside pharmacological treatment. The goal is to increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment plan, leading to better symptom management and improved quality of life for the patient. By addressing the limitations of the initial therapy, augmentation can provide significant benefits for those who may not respond completely to monotherapy.