ECT Underutilized in Resistant Depression
I just read this interesting piece from WSJ’s Health Blog, reporting on a new commentary published in JAMA on the underutilization of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients whose depression does not respond to antidepressant treatment. The idea of sending electric currents through a person (some may even liken the procedure to controlled electrocution) has created a stigma of ECT. Doctors often view ECT as a last resort. Yet, for patients whose depression fails to respond to main treatment modalities like medication and psychotherapy, ECT may be a lifesaver.
Relationships, Research, and Resources
Welcome to the June 5, 2007 edition of carnival of depression, bipolar disorder, and mental health journeys.
In the depression category, Angela presents an important topic for women who are pregnant or have just delivered. For more information about this subject, please read my comprehensive review of the book, A Deeper Shade of Blue.
Jeff gives an honest and reflective look at the question, “am I depressed, and is this the kind that requires medication?” I find some of us migrate toward extremes - either denying there is any problem and refusing to seek help - or immediately labeling ourselves with multiple illnesses and begging for pills. We can save ourselves a lot of grief (not to mention risks of side effects) by spending some time asking ourselves some tough questions. Read more
Depression or Melancholy, Getting Through Pain, and Virginia Tech
Trent announced an interesting article that is published in the May 2007 issue of Harper’s magazine that has a provocative premise: “true depression is actually an extremely rare event and the prevalence of depression in America is manufactured.” Three factors that were listed included 1) people who are melancholic were often diagnosed as depressed, 2) the fallacy of tests currently used to diagnose and measure depression, and 3) an often visible placebo effect in depression treatment when compared with the actual medication treatment.
Trent shares his tips for managing a melancholic state without drugs and much financial investment. For me, medication was an important jump start in my depression treatment, but I have also had subsequent good results with non-medication modalities, and have been doing well over the past few years on a regular routine (sleeping enough, eating regularly, getting enough sun, and having some social interactions all helped me). Read more