Treatment-resistant depression
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Treatment-resistant depression or refractory depression is a term used in clinical psychiatry to describe cases of major depressive disorder that do not respond to adequate courses of least two antidepressants.[1]
MAOIs are considered very effective for certain types of refractory depression. [2]
Treatment of refractory depression has traditionally most commonly involved electroconvulsive therapy and use of non-standard medications, but new technologies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation are being studied as a safer alternative. Treatment of refractory depression may also involve more invasive interventions, such as vagus nerve stimulation.
Anti-psychotics have shown promise in treating refractory depression, but come with serious side effects. Additionally, stimulants have been tested with inconclusive results. [3]
The term was first coined with the development of the concept in 1974.
[edit] References
- ^ Wijeratne, Chanaka, Sachdev, Perminder (2008). "Treatment-resistant depression: critique of current approaches.". Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 42: 751–62. PMID 18696279.
- ^ First AID for psychiatry clerkship, Second edition. page 140
- ^ "Treating Treatment Resistant Depression
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