Conditions We Treat

TGA Approved — Depression

Clinical Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad. It can feel like numbness, exhaustion, and disconnection from the life you once knew. Help is available — and there are more options today than ever before.

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1 in 6

Australians experience depression in their lifetime

30%

do not respond adequately to first-line treatments

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Important: rTMS is TGA-approved and Medicare-listed (MBS 14217) for treatment-resistant depression only. All information on this page is educational. Please consult a qualified health professional to determine which treatment options are appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Understanding the condition

What is clinical depression?

Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that profoundly affects how a person thinks, feels, and functions day-to-day. It is not a character flaw or a temporary mood — it is a complex disorder involving changes in brain chemistry, neural circuits, and emotional regulation.

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of circumstances. Sometimes it arises without a clear external trigger, because internal biological and genetic factors play a significant role.

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) refers to cases where two or more antidepressant medications at adequate doses have not produced sufficient improvement. TRD is more common than many people realise, affecting roughly one in three people being treated for depression.

Symptoms

Recognising depression

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Emotional symptoms

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. Recurring negative thoughts. Feeling disconnected from people and activities you once valued.

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Physical symptoms

Unexplained fatigue, changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleep), shifts in appetite and weight, and physical pain without a clear cause.

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Physical symptoms

Difficulty concentrating or making decisions. Loss of motivation. Withdrawal from social situations. Increased irritability and emotional sensitivity.

Treatment Options

A comprehensive approach to care

Depression is treatable, and most people benefit from a combination of approaches. Treatment planning should be guided by a qualified psychiatrist or treating clinician based on individual presentation and history.

First-Line

Psychotherapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based psychological therapies are effective for mild to moderate depression and are commonly recommended as a first step or alongside medication.

First-Line

Antidepressant Medication

SSRIs, SNRIs and other antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for depression. A psychiatrist can guide medication selection, dosing, and duration of treatment.

Lifestyle & Supportive

Lifestyle Interventions

Structured exercise, sleep hygiene, social support, and nutrition all contribute meaningfully to mood regulation and are recommended alongside formal treatment.

TGA Approved — rTMS

Repetitive TMS (rTMS)

rTMS is TGA-approved and Medicare-listed for treatment-resistant depression. It is a non-invasive option for patients who have not responded adequately to antidepressant medications. At Brain Aid Clinics, rTMS is provided under psychiatrist oversight using neuronavigation for precise targeting.

About rTMS at Brain Aid Clinics

rTMS for treatment-resistant depression

For patients who have not responded to at least two antidepressant medications at therapeutic doses, rTMS offers a non-invasive, evidence-based alternative. High-frequency stimulation of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is the TGA-approved protocol for depression. At Brain Aid Clinics, we use neuronavigation to precisely individualise coil placement, improving accuracy and potentially treatment outcomes.

Regulatory note: rTMS is TGA-approved and Medicare-rebatable (MBS 14217) specifically for treatment-resistant depression in Australia. It is not the only treatment option, and suitability is assessed individually by our psychiatry team. Results vary between individuals.

FAQ

Common questions

What does depression actually feel like?

Depression is more than sadness. Many people describe it as a persistent emptiness, numbness, or heaviness. You may lose interest in things you once enjoyed, feel disconnected from others, or struggle to find motivation for even simple tasks. Not everyone cries — some people with depression feel “nothing at all.”

Can depression go away on its own?

Mild depression can sometimes improve with lifestyle changes and strong social support. However, moderate to severe depression typically requires professional treatment. Without support, depression often persists or worsens over time. Seeking help early improves outcomes and quality of life.

What is treatment-resistant depression?

Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is generally defined as depression that has not responded adequately to at least two different antidepressant medications taken at the right dose for a sufficient duration. This does not mean your condition is untreatable — it means that additional approaches such as medication combinations, psychotherapy, or neurostimulation therapies like rTMS may be appropriate.

Is rTMS covered by Medicare for depression?

Yes. rTMS is TGA-approved and Medicare-listed (MBS item 14217) for treatment-resistant depression. Eligibility criteria include failing at least two antidepressant medications at adequate doses. Our team can assess your eligibility at an initial consultation.

When should I seek professional help for depression?

Speak with a health professional if you have experienced persistent low mood, loss of interest, or the symptoms described above for two weeks or more, or if your symptoms are affecting your ability to work, maintain relationships, or care for yourself. You do not need to be in crisis to seek help.