Posted by Tomatheus on January 29, 2015, at 8:37:08
In reply to Options for treatment resistant depression, posted by Sac on January 28, 2015, at 12:12:41
Sac,
Generally, when the newer antidepressants don't seem to be effective in treating someone's depression, doctors prescribe older antidepressants (namely, the tricyclics and MAOIs, which another poster mentioned). If you think that the Prozac that you're taking may be producing a partial response, then augmenting it with something like Deplin might be a good idea. I can see that you've already tried antipsychotics and Buspar and that you're currently taking lithium. Another thing that I like to recommend is to make sure that you've been tested for physical abnormalities that might contribute to your depression, if you haven't already had such tests done. Some tests that might be relevant would be those for thyroid disorders, anemia, and levels of vitamins B12 and D. I had depressive symptoms that didn't seem to respond to any treatment in the long run that now seem to be responding to vitamin D3 after a blood test found my vitamin D level to be low.
I also think it's worth mentioning that many patients with depressive disorders find that their depressive symptoms are best controlled when the treatments that directly affect our biology (e.g., medications) are combined with other treatment modalities and depression management strategies. Such approaches could include psychotherapy, exercise, peer support, and healthy lifestyle choices. Perhaps you've already tried at least some of these approaches, but I think that they're worth mentioning, especially considering that your depression seems to only be responding so well to medications. Do you have any experience with psychotherapy?
Hopefully you'll find some of the ideas that I've put forth to be worthwhile of consideration, and I certainly hope that whatever you decide to do treatment wise that you'll find relief from your depression. Good luck with your treatment, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions about anything that I've written.
Tomatheus
Has long-standing difficulties with energy and concentration, as well as perceptual and cognitive problems
Taking Abilify & supplements including vitamins B3 & D3
poster:Tomatheus
thread:1075667
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150129/msgs/1075695.html