Today we will be considering treatment-resistant Major Depressive Disorder. Major Depressive Disorder, generally referred to as depression, is a common psychiatric illness. About three million new cases are diagnosed every year. Major Depressive Disorder (MAD) responds well to treatment coupling medication and talk therapy; however, treatment-resistant major depression (TRD), sometimes called refractory depression, can resist treatment efforts.
About two-thirds of people with MAD don’t respond to the first antidepressant they’re prescribed. Many people fail to see results with two or more medicine changes. Antidepressants may be ineffective, stop working, or help but result in severe side effects that erase any gains. At that point, depression may be so severe that talk therapy can’t create a lasting change alone.
There’s no hard and fast, clear-cut definition for TRD. However, it’s safe to say that anyone suffering from MAD who isn’t getting relief needs a different approach. Working with one’s doctor and therapist is the best way to get into remission, although it can take some time.
It’s important to see a psychiatrist for medications. General practitioners aren’t always in the loop for the latest developments in the treatment of depression. Also, seeing a psychiatrist, therapist or psychologist is essential to confirm one’s diagnosis. Bipolar disorder doesn’t respond well to the same medications for major depression. In fact, some bipolar medicines can make depression worse. Some underlying physical ailments, like hypothyroidism, mimic depression. A disorder that isn’t quite severe enough to warrant a medical diagnosis can still be a big hurdle to recovery from major depressive disorder.
Co-occurring psychiatric disorders must be treated concurrently with major depression. It’s far more difficult to get one illness under control, then move to the next. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the whole person, all diagnoses considered, must be treated at once.
It’s also essential to consider a person holistically. Sources of chronic stress and unfulfillment fuel depression. Work and family life must be figured in when treating psychological disorders. As well, substance abuse interferes with treatment. Clients aren’t always eager to disclose addiction problems. Many clients with those troubles are in denial about them. Unless they’re addressed, getting long-lasting relief from depression isn’t possible.
For those who are indeed addicted to substances, dual-diagnosis therapy takes on both illnesses at once. It’s an effective way of addressing two challenging disorders.
If you or a loved one is regularly experiencing symptoms similar to those listed in this post, seek help from your local Spokane healthcare professional. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.
