Overview
Global treatment-resistant depression market reached US$ xx billion in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ xx billion by 2030, growing with a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period 2023-2030.
The global treatment-resistant depression market has witnessed significant growth and transformations over the years, with various factors influencing its dynamics. A subtype of major depressive disorder (MDD) is treatment-resistant depression (TRD). It occurs when the condition cannot be controlled during a depressive episode with at least two distinct first-line antidepressants.
Before a healthcare professional can diagnose TRD, the two therapies must be of sufficient dosage and frequency (a minimum of six to eight weeks). Government investments and research, particularly in developing economies, will continue to drive utilization of advanced technology for novel drugs such as antideprresants or psychedelics for major depressive disorder and boost the global treatment-resistant depression market.
Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints
Growing regulatory approvals for medications
Developed economies have been witnessing rapid growth in betterment of their healthcare sectors, driven by high investments, income levels, and infrastructure development. Several countries have experienced substantial demand for treatment-resistant depression owing to the rising cases of lung cancer. Various collaborations, acquisitions and product launch with technological advancements among different countries will be a crucial factor driving the growth of the market.
On August 19, 2022, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved AUVELITYTM (dextromethorphan HBr -bupropion HCl) tablets with extended release for the therapy of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical business that develops and delivers novel therapies for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Additionally, on January 30, 2023, Rexulti (brexpiprazole) has a new indication for the treatment of depression and depressive states, according to a Japanese application submitted by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Administration should be restricted to patients who did not respond well to prior antidepressant therapy). In a phase 3 clinical trial, 740 adult MDD patients from Japan, aged 20 to 64, were examined to determine the safety and efficacy of brexpiprazole as an additional therapy.
Furthermore, the rising utilization of novel medicines and solutions for depression. Rising resistant depression cases and increasing utilization of several novel drugs along with research for innovative product development will be a major factor driving the growth of the treatment-resistant depression market.
Side effects associated with the drugs
For those who are hoping that modern medicine will one day be able to treat schizophrenia and psychotic episodes, or at the at least, find a cure, the data we presently have about the long-term administration of Seroquel and comparable antipsychotics reveal some extremely disheartening and worrying trends.
An alarming number of people in long-term care have been given antipsychotic drugs inadvertently without a real diagnosis of psychosis, just to keep them sedated, according to a recent Canadian investigation project.

Segment Analysis
The global treatment-resistant depression market is segmented based on drugs, route of administration, distribution channel and region.
Antipsychotics drugs segment accounted for approximately 32% of market share
Patients having major depressive disorder (MDD) who fail to respond well to antidepressant treatments are typically diagnosed with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and need augmentation techniques. Atypical antipsychotics especially second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have been proven to enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs, increase the likelihood that depression will remit, and reduce unpleasant effects caused by antidepressants.
The SGAs olanzapine, quetiapine extended-release (XR), aripiprazole, and the combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine were therefore approved by the FDA as enhancing medicines for TRD patients. Although they have been used in clinical practice, other SGAs like ziprasidone, iloperidone, asenapine, and lurasidone have not yet received FDA approval despite having shown their favorable enhancement effects in TRD in numerous clinical trials.
On December 16, 2022, in order to treat individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved AbbVie’s VRAYLAR (cariprazine) as an adjuvant therapy to antidepressants. This new indication offers individuals who have an insufficient response to antidepressant medication a new choice, and it is supported by clinical data indicating efficacy and well-established tolerability.
Geographical Penetration
North America accounted for around 41% of market share in 2022
Due to the rising need for treatment-resistant depression drugs in healthcare, manufacturers in North America have chances of increasing their operations. There are many producers and suppliers in North America and owing to the quick economic growth of the region, industrial production has expanded, driving the demand for treatment-resistant depression drugs.
Increasing expenditure on healthcare, advancement of technologies and different drugs for depressive disorders, along with increase in biopharmaceutical or biotechnology business establishment across the region are also contributing to the growth of treatment-resistant depression market share of this region. The market in this area is growing as people become more aware of various novel treatment products. The aforementioned elements attest to North America’s hegemonic position in the world.
North America continues to be a key player in the global treatment-resistant depression market, with United States leading the way. Government initiatives promoting infrastructure development and investment, and a focus on rising advancements have fueled the demand for oral or injectable drugs in the United States have been proactive in executing several initiatives, stimulating these treatment products demand.

COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019 created unprecedented challenges for industries worldwide, including the global treatment-resistant depression market. As countries grappled with lockdowns, supply chain disruptions and reduced economic activity, the pharmaceutical sector, with a significant consumer of assays or kits, was significantly impacted. The widespread lockdowns and restrictions imposed by the pandemic, which began in early 2020, had an effect on a number of initiatives all around the world.
Major medical and biotechnology industries came to a standstill and shifted their attention towards the management of COVID-19, leading to a slump in demand for treatment-resistant depression treating drugs. Now several research studies have been initiated and companies have again started trial for their products efficiency. Overall, the impact of the pandemic on the global treatment-resistant depression market is expected to be relatively moderate, with the market continuing to grow steadily due to the ongoing need and research for treatment products.
By Drugs

  • Antipsychotics
    o Aripiprazole (Abilify)
    o Brexpiprazole (Rexulti)
    o Quetiapine (Seroquel)
    o Olanzapine (Zyprexa)
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
    o Fluoxetine (Prozac)
    o Sertraline (Zoloft)
    o Citalopram (Celexa)
    o Paroxetine (Paxil)
  • Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
    o Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
    o Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
    o Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
  • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
    o Phenelzine (Nardil)
    o Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
  • Others
    By Route of Administration
  • Oral
  • Injectable
  • Others
    By Distribution Channel
  • Hospital Pharmacies
  • Retail Pharmacies
  • Online Pharmacies
    By Region
  • North America
    o U.S.
    o Canada
    o Mexico
  • Europe


o Germany
o UK
o France
o Italy
o Spain
o Rest of Europe

  • South America
    o Brazil
    o Argentina
    o Rest of South America
  • Asia-Pacific


o China
o India
o Japan
o Australia
o Rest of Asia-Pacific

  • Middle East and Africa
    Key Developments
  • On March 3, 2023, Aripiprazole was added to the antidepressant that older patients having difficult-to-treat depression were taking, and researchers from the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson’s Department of Psychiatry discovered that this increased the rate of depression remission and enhanced participant well-being. The article, titled "Antidepressant Augmentation versus Switch in Treatment-Resistant Geriatric Depression," was released in the New England Journal of Medicine.
  • On October 20, 2022, AUVELITY (dextromethorphan HBr-bupropion HCl) has been made available by authorization in the United States for the therapy of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, according to a report from Axsome Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that develops and delivers novel therapies for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.

    Competitive Landscape
    The major global players in the market include Pfizer Inc., Viatris Inc., Novartis AG, AbbVie Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., AstraZeneca, Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Biodesix and Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC.
    Why Purchase the Report?
  • To visualize the global treatment-resistant depression market segmentation based on drugs, route of administration, distribution channel and region, as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
  • Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
  • Excel data sheet with numerous data points of treatment-resistant depression market-level with all segments.
  • PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
  • Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
    The global treatment-resistant depression market report would provide approximately 61 tables, 59 figures and 186 Pages.
    Target Audience 2023
  • Manufacturers/ Buyers
  • Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
  • Research Professionals
  • Emerging Companies