Treatment resistance in unipolar depression and other disorders. Diagnostic concerns and treatment possibilities.
The disorders discussed in this article share common problems with treatment-resistant depression both in research and clinical treatment. Lack of clear treatment-resistant definitions leads to difficulties in comparing the results of research studies. The absence of double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that match alternative treatments against each other creates confusion for the clinician who has to decide on a treatment paradigm. The future will, no doubt, see an increase in interest in treatment-resistant research and the answer to some of these questions. Although this review emphasizes the work that remains to be done before treatment resistance becomes a curiosity of the past, it also highlights the wealth of treatment options available to clinicians and their patients. As long as treatment-resistant patients are amendable to trying new therapies, hope that their depressions will lift remains.
Nelsen
M R
MR
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle.
Dunner
D L
DL
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019965:Neurocognitive Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D012008:Recurrence
D000928:Antidepressive Agents