Bridging the Gap in Mental Health

There is currently underway a major paradigm shift in the treatment of depression. In the past year alone, rTMS has been MBS funded; a drug treatment has been TGA-approved that is specifically indicated for treatment resistant depression, and there has been a significant increase in government funding for research into new and emerging therapies. There are now more distinct options to help bridge the gap between antidepressants and electroconvulsive therapy.

General practitioners are at the frontlines in the identification, treatment, and ongoing management of mental health conditions in Australia. Understanding the role and availability of next-step treatments can help improve management of patients with treatment resistant depression. This program will present new treatment modalities and their place in the management of depression.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss the need for changing or introducing new treatment modalities after an unsuccessful trial of antidepressants.
2. Explain the role of newly available treatments, including rTMS therapy and esketamine, for treatment resistant depression.
3. Identify patient eligibility and selection criteria to support appropriate referrals for next step treatment.