Solving Clinical Challenges: Managing Major Depressive Disorder When First-Line Treatments Fall Short

Major Depressive Disorder often persists despite guideline-based pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, leaving clinicians unsure how to adjust treatment in the face of partial response, symptom heterogeneity, or unclear diagnosis. This session uses real-world case examples to guide clinicians through evaluating treatment resistance, identifying overlooked contributors such as anxiety, trauma, and medical illness, and refining diagnostic impressions. Faculty will demonstrate practical strategies for optimizing antidepressants, choosing augmentation or switching pathways, integrating targeted psychotherapies, and addressing functional impairment. Participants will gain practical tools to navigate complex MDD presentations and improve outcomes when standard approaches are not enough.

Session developed in partnership with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).