To diagnose treatment resistant depression, a doctor will use a standardized form that collects data about the patient's symptoms, diagnostic procedure, terminology, and diagnosis of TRD. A doctor will then use this information to determine the best course of treatment for this type of depression. To assess the efficacy of previous treatments, they will examine the dose, duration, and minimum depressive symptoms that are required for TRD. These data can help determine the best course of action for a patient with this type of disorder.
While many treatment methods are effective in reversing the
symptoms of depression, a few are more effective than others. The most popular
is electroconvulsive therapy. This type of therapy passes electric currents
through the brain, triggering a brief seizure. Although it may not have any
effect on the symptoms of the depressed person, it has the potential to change
the chemistry of the brain and reverse the course of the illness. While
electroconvulsive therapy can be extremely effective, it is also accompanied by
physical side effects and can take six to twelve sessions to show results.
Treatment resistant depression may result from over-use of a
certain drug. It can result from a withdrawal from a medication. This
medication can cause a relapse in the person taking it. During these episodes,
the patient is sedated and given an injection of serotonin. During these
seizures, the brain responds by increasing its serotonin levels. This therapy
is considered one of the most effective treatments for treatment resistant
depression, but it has side effects. It can last up to six to twelve sessions
and should only be used under the supervision of a health professional.
The most common treatment for treatment resistant depression
is electroconvulsive therapy. This procedure involves passing electric currents
through the brain and triggering a short seizure. While electroconvulsive
therapy has been shown to improve the symptoms of mental illness, it does not
cure the condition. It can also have serious physical side effects, such as
temporary memory loss. Even so, the results are often long-lasting. The best
option for treating treatment resistant depression is a combination of therapy.
Despite the fact that treatment resistant depression is
frustrating, it is possible to overcome the condition. A health care
professional will be able to prescribe the best method for the patient, based
on the individual's symptoms, and their lifestyle. If the first two approaches
don't work, an additional option is to try a different drug. While there are no
guarantees, many people experience significant improvement after these
treatments. The best treatment for treatment resistant depression will depend
on the patient's overall health and the extent of the symptoms.
Some people with treatment resistant depression may be able
to respond to other forms of treatment. For example, a drug called fluoxetine
can reverse some of the symptoms of the condition. Another type of medication
used to treat depression is electroconvulsive therapy. This drug, which can be
administered by a medical professional under general anesthesia, involves
electrical currents being passed through the brain. These medications have a
few side effects, such as causing short-term memory loss and a seizure.
