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 healthcare 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 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.
