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How Is Treatment-refractory Depression Treated?
Question: Hello there,
I've had chronic depression for 20+ years. I've tried meds and they haven't worked (I've tried them all). I had a really rough year and my depression has never been worse. I've tried exercise, healthy diet, etc. What other methods can I use to treat this depression. It is at a low that is very scary. Thanks!
I've had chronic depression for 20+ years. I've tried meds and they haven't worked (I've tried them all). I had a really rough year and my depression has never been worse. I've tried exercise, healthy diet, etc. What other methods can I use to treat this depression. It is at a low that is very scary. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Please provide more details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the available description it appears that you are diagnosed with treatment resistant depression which occurs in almost 10-15 % individuals with depression.
Having said this the first thing is to know whether it is pure depression or there are other comorbid things. This is because the comorbid disorders lead to poor response and they need to be taken under loop while considering treatment. I request you to describe your initial episode in detail as this is often most helpful in diagnosis. I understand that this happened two decades ago but it is important to make a fair try to recall that particular episode.
The second important thing is dose and duration of medications. I request you to mention all medicines tried till date, their dose, duration of use and response if any.
The third important thing is to know about comorbid medical disorders such as thyroid disorder, other endocrine disorders, neurological problems, diabetes mellitus and others. Please make a fair attempt to describe medical disorders.
I look forward to see more details to suggest you next course of action.
Thanks again.
Please provide more details
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the available description it appears that you are diagnosed with treatment resistant depression which occurs in almost 10-15 % individuals with depression.
Having said this the first thing is to know whether it is pure depression or there are other comorbid things. This is because the comorbid disorders lead to poor response and they need to be taken under loop while considering treatment. I request you to describe your initial episode in detail as this is often most helpful in diagnosis. I understand that this happened two decades ago but it is important to make a fair try to recall that particular episode.
The second important thing is dose and duration of medications. I request you to mention all medicines tried till date, their dose, duration of use and response if any.
The third important thing is to know about comorbid medical disorders such as thyroid disorder, other endocrine disorders, neurological problems, diabetes mellitus and others. Please make a fair attempt to describe medical disorders.
I look forward to see more details to suggest you next course of action.
Thanks again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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