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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by denise1966 on May 22, 2006, at 7:24:02
Hi,
I was wondering (and often have) if ECT can restore response to antidepressants. I mean that if you had tried lots of different meds that haden't helped enough or had pooped out, would ECT help them to work again?
I guess the real question is that if People who are treatment resistant and do respond to ECT then how do they keep these people well if none of the meds had worked?
Thanks.....Denise
Posted by SLS on May 22, 2006, at 8:27:50
In reply to Can ECT restore response to Antidepressants?, posted by denise1966 on May 22, 2006, at 7:24:02
> Hi,
>
> I was wondering (and often have) if ECT can restore response to antidepressants. I mean that if you had tried lots of different meds that haden't helped enough or had pooped out, would ECT help them to work again?I think the answer to that question depends on who you ask. I don't think there have been many systematic studies investigating this issue. I did find a few that are related, though.
It is unclear whether or not imipramine was one of the drugs previously found to be ineffective. However, the authors claim that the drug used was of the same class. This study appears to demonstrate the acquisition of prophylaxis using previously ineffective antidepressants after successful ECT.
This study does not address your question exactly, but does give the impression that the use of a TCA + lithium is better than either drug alone in preventing relapse after ECT.
Most people relapse within a few months after a course of ECT. Monthly maintenance treamtents are often required. It seems that adding medication for prophylaxis after ECT can be effective, but there is no wealth of literature to support this claim.
- Scott
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2006, at 11:42:22
In reply to Re: Can ECT restore response to Antidepressants?, posted by SLS on May 22, 2006, at 8:27:50
Scott have you considered ECT? Love Phillipa
Posted by SLS on May 22, 2006, at 21:16:08
In reply to Re: Can ECT restore response to Antidepressants? » SLS, posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2006, at 11:42:22
> Scott have you considered ECT? Love Phillipa
Hi Jan.
Yes, I have. I completed a course of 15 treatments with the last 9 being bilateral. No improvement.
- Scott
Posted by denise1966 on May 24, 2006, at 4:53:26
In reply to Re: Can ECT restore response to Antidepressants?, posted by SLS on May 22, 2006, at 8:27:50
Thanks Scott,
This study doesn't actually say whether or not the patients had tried immipramine prior to the ECT though so there is a chance that had they tried it without the ECT then they would have become stable anyway.
Having said that it is positive that the Immipramine helped them stay out of depression.
Kind Regards.....Denise
This is the end of the thread.
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