Difficult To Treat Depression: A Carlat Guide (2026) - 4 SA / 12 CME

This version of the book includes:

• Instant access to the PDF/ebook and instant access to an online course that can be completed for 4 ABPN Self-Assessment Credits and 12 CME Credits
• A regular bound print copy of the book.

About the Book
Treatment-resistant depression challenges even the most experienced clinicians. When patients don’t respond to first- and second-line treatments, the path forward requires sophisticated clinical reasoning, familiarity with advanced interventions, and a systematic approach to complex case management. This practical resource bridges the gap between research literature and clinical application, offering experienced psychiatrists a structured approach to patients who haven’t responded to conventional treatments.

Browse free sample pages, including the table of contents, introduction, figures, and index.

Inside this book, you’ll find:

• A comprehensive framework for evaluating and defining treatment resistance, including diagnostic reconsideration and comorbidity assessment
• Evidence-based strategies for optimizing pharmacotherapy: augmentation, combination, and switching protocols backed by current research
• Practical guidance on advanced somatic treatments, including ECT, TMS, ketamine/ esketamine, and emerging neuromodulation therapies
• Integration of psychotherapeutic approaches for treatment-resistant populations
• How to identify and address contributing factors: medical comorbidities, substance use, trauma, and medication interactions
• Pharmacogenomic testing and personalized medicine approaches: when to use them and how to interpret results
• Case studies illustrating decision-making in complex clinical scenarios
•  Strategies for maintaining therapeutic alliance and managing patient and family expectations through prolonged treatment courses
• Updates on pipeline treatments and future directions in the field

About the Author
Chris Aiken is the editor-in-chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, the mood disorders section editor of Psychiatric Times, and an adjunct assistant professor of psychiatry at New York University and Wake Forest Schools of Medicine. He has authored numerous books and peer-reviewed articles in psychiatry, including Prescribing Psychotropics (2022) and the upcoming Complementary and Alternative Medicine Fact Book. He began his career as a research assistant at the National Institute of Mental Health and completed his training at Yale, Cornell, and Duke medical centers. He has directed neuromodulation and esketamine centers in North Carolina, and his current practice, Psych Partners, integrates pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy.

Dr. Aiken has disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.

You must be logged in to your individual account to take the post-test. You will have two attempts to pass and must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly to earn credit. The Carlat CME Institute is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians and maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This enduring material is designated for a maximum of twelve (12) AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians and psychologists should claim credit commensurate with their participation. This activity is available for CME credit for a defined period based on the date of publication, in accordance with accreditation requirements. The post-test must be completed prior to the expiration date; after that time, CME credit will no longer be available.