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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016

Question: I have severe depression that no antidepression medication will work. The medication either makes me worse or, what I consider even worse is, manic! I don't know what to do? I get so angry that I start to blame others for my actions and choices that I have made in the past. I exspect my family, especially my children, to forgive and forget. However I have left all 4 of my living children with their Dad's and my youngest with my Mother. I also had an Abortion on 1/7/2000 and no matter how many times I confess it in Reconciliation or go to Divine Mercy Sunday, I still feel very remorseful for ALL the wrong choices that I made in my life. It's like I can't forgive myself. It doesn't help when my family is always pushing everything that I've done wrong in my face all the time, especially my Mom! I just don't know how to let go of it all, even my families condemnation? Would Electro-Shock Therapy be a good alternative? And what exactly does it do and how does it work? Thank you for your time.
God Bless, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
YES ECT is quite effective in resistant cases

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query with keen interest and understand your concerns.

First of all regarding your question there is no doubt that ECT is miracle treatment in psychiatry which helps in myriad of conditions. The current recommendation clearly state that if there is resistance to medication or intolerable side effects due to medications ECT should be considered.

Having said this it is not exactly known how ECT works but it is believed that it restores the homeostasis of different neurotransmitters in brain. During the treatment process seizures are induced for a period of 15-30 seconds under general anesthesia and person undergoing ECT feels nothing.

I guess you will be curious about safety of ECT. Regarding this I like to state that it is as safe as medications used for treatment of depression or any other psychiatric disorder.

I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (6 minutes later)

I live in Nevada, USA, do you know where the ECT is available in my area? I am 2 1/2 hours outside of Reno, NV. Does Renown have this available to pt.'s like myself?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I am not aware but must be available

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.

I have no knowledge of your area but if there are psychiatric facilities ECT must be available. Every hospital who have indoor psychiatric facility have ECT as it is one of the important treatment modality.

No treatment modality is restricted for you if it is available and indicated.

I hope this assists you further.
Thanks and regards.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar