AHRQ Healthcare Horizon Scanning System – Potential High-Impact Interventions Report
One theme common to health interventions being developed for mental health disorders is the search for options to address treatment resistance in disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A drug for psychotic major depression (PMD), for which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any therapies, is being explored. The proposed use of implanted devices for treating mental health conditions represents a departure from traditional pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy approaches. Also, an approved anesthetic is being investigated for its rapid antidepressant effects, which remains an unmet need in this field. In the absence of optimal, effective strategies for PTSD, a peer-support program captured experts’ attention as having high potential to improve support for veterans with PTSD.