Therapy-resistant depression.
Therapy-resistant depression is not untreatable. Numerous treatment methods with substantiated effectiveness exist. However, none of them are able to ensure remission. Thus, what matters when treating therapy-resistant depression is the strict, step-by-step deployment of existing therapeutic options at the right tempo and with a regular systematic evaluation of patient response. Remission should always be the aim, not just some abatement in symptoms (response). The following should be avoided: too small dosages of medication; changing the therapeutic strategy too frequently or too quickly; thoughtlessly sticking to an ineffective treatment over too long a period of time; or unsystematic poly-pharmacy. If these are all avoided than therapy-resistant depressive patients will have a good chance of recovery.
Bschor
Tom
T
Schlosspark Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, Heubnerweg 2, D-14059 Berlin, Germany. bschor@schlosspark-klinik.de
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination / Q000379:methods; D004361:Drug Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D008996:Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors