Posted by Nancy on December 5, 1998, at 17:11:03
In reply to Re: ECT: a question for the docs...others' experiences, posted by Toby on December 3, 1998, at 16:27:22
> Where I live (elsewhere, too, I think) ECT is considered after a person with severe depression fails three trials of medication at full antidepressant doses for a full therapeutic time period (usually three months). However, most of the time, years go by before ECT is considered in true clinical practice because we have so many new medications and so many ways to combine them. Augmentation strategies I have either successfully used or heard about include Lithium, cytomel, naltrexone, pindolol, nefazodone, venlafaxine, stimulants, bromocriptine, amantadine, buproprion, estrogen (for women only), buspirone, inositol, mirtazepine, tegretol, depakote, neurontin, lamictal, topamax, sleep deprivation, folate, olanzepine, ultram, buprenex, tricyclic, MAOI. All of the above I'm talking about adding to whatever the person is already taking. Let's not forget cognitive therapy.
THREE MONTHS??? Oh. God.
Toby, the doctors I've seen have let me suffer from untreatable psychotic, rapid cycling, mixed states with periods of severe mania that shift to suicidal depression. This has gone on for TWO YEARS! My latest doc is a specialist in mood disorder. His medications have failed repeatedly the last 6 months to relieve me of psychotic, suicidal depression.Thanks, Toby. I'm greatful for your valuable input. I'm noting the information for further help. Finally, I'm going to have the help so desperately needed. ECT is the next step. No more "russian-roullette medicating". Soon, I will be free...at last.
Mind Over Madness,
Nancy
poster:Nancy
thread:1454
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990301/msgs/1484.html