One-third of all adults who suffer from major depression have symptoms that do not respond to medication. This is considered treatment resistant depression. It is diagnosed when the patient has not responded to two or more antidepressants after a specified amount of time. For most patients, this time period is six weeks. However, this timeframe may vary for some patients. In the meantime, a patient may still be suffering from symptoms. In this case, a different approach may be required.
Fortunately, there are treatments for treatment-resistant
depression. Medications can be adjusted, talk therapy can be beneficial, and
sometimes, even alternative therapies such as psychotherapy may be necessary. A
doctor can help determine which treatments are best suited for you. Regardless
of the method of treatment, it is essential that you keep the lines of
communication open with the health care team. This can make the process go more
smoothly for you. The following are some effective treatments for
treatment-resistant depression.
Electroconvulsive therapy: An electrical current is passed
through the brain during a treatment session. The temporary seizure, which
causes a short-term memory loss, has been shown to reverse the symptoms of
mental illness. While electroconvulsive therapy can be extremely effective, it
also has many side effects, including short-term memory loss and physical
ailment. It is also difficult to find a treatment that works for you and your
unique situation.
Research shows that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the
best treatment for treatment-resistant depression. It is an outpatient
procedure, and it is administered under general anesthesia. A doctor
administers electric currents through the brain, which triggers a short
seizure. ECT seems to change the chemistry in the brain, which seems to reverse
symptoms of mental illness. There are a few drawbacks to electroconvulsive
therapy, though. It is not a quick fix, and patients should be aware of the
risks.
Another option for treatment-resistant depression is
electroconvulsive therapy. It involves passing electrical currents through the
brain during a short seizure. This treatment has been used for over two decades
and has a low success rate. While there are some risks associated with ECT, it
is an excellent option for those who cannot tolerate the side effects of
antidepressants. The results of this treatment are often long-lasting and may
even lead to remission.
The best treatment for treatment-resistant depression is
electroconvulsive therapy. During this procedure, electric currents are passed
through the brain and cause a brief seizure. In some cases, this therapy can
reverse symptoms of mental illness, although it can have physical side effects
and requires several sessions. The duration of electroconvulsive therapy varies
from two to six and a half hours to an entire day. The main benefits of this
form of psychotherapy are relief from depressed mood and reduced risk of death.
