Posted by Nancy on April 13, 1999, at 17:03:53
In reply to Re: Bipolar/Treatment Resistant Depressions/ECT!!!, posted by Elizabeth on April 12, 1999, at 9:11:33
> Nancy,
>
> I agree that ECT is a good choice in some emergencies, but I also seem to recall that some subtypes of depression don't respond well to it. Anyone know anything about this? (My recollection is that it was more effective in severe or delusional depression and less effective (or ineffective) in dysthymic or atypical depression.)
>
> I'd actually say that for resistant dysthymia, if there's a need for immediate results (which wasn't the impression I got from Elaine's post...Elaine, could you elaborate?), amphetamines (e.g., methylphenidate or d-amphetamine) might be a good thing to try, as they tend to work fast (when they do work).
>
> For long-term treatment of bipolar depression, the atypical antipsychotics are worth a try, as they seem to act as antidepressants in some people. (Not everybody, though.)Gee, ever hear of dyskinesia???? As far as ECT goes, it was the ONLY treatment that stopped my 18 month dibilitating bipolar depression. I should have had ECT after 6 months of treatment resistance.
You need to go back and read some of my posts and do some more research regarding this kind of illness.
Good Luck,
Nancy
poster:Nancy
thread:4588
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990501/msgs/4821.html