Some people you know may have gotten over their depression after taking medication for a few months, maybe even going to counseling. They got back to their normal lives. But that didn't happen to you, did it? No matter how hard you tried, no matter what treatment you tried, do you still feel like you're stuck in that dark place? This can be a very difficult and frustrating experience. But the most important thing is to know that you're not alone . This type of depression that doesn't respond well to treatment is called 'treatment-resistant depression'. Don't worry, today we'll talk about what can cause it and what you can do about it.
Why is this depression not treatable?
There is no single cause for this. In fact, it is more likely to be a combination of many different causes. Simply put, the way this condition affects each person is different. Some of these causes are beyond our control. For example, things like the genes we are born with. However, there are also things we can control and change.
The most important thing is to never give up hope. Keep working with your doctor to find the right combination of treatments for you. You will definitely find a solution that makes you feel better.
Common problems with medication
Most of the time, the main reason why depression does not get better is due to certain problems in the way the medication, namely antidepressants, is used. Let's see what they are. If you understand this properly, you will understand whether you are also making these mistakes.
| Problem | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Stopping the medication after a short time | It can take about 6 to 8 weeks, or about a month and a half to two months, for an antidepressant to really work in your body. Many people, sometimes even doctors, give up on the medication before that time, thinking it's not working. It's like not giving a seed time to germinate. |
| Skipping the scheduled dose | We can never know for sure whether a medicine will work or not unless it is taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time, and in the right dosage. If it gets out of hand even one day, it can be affected. |
| Fear of side effects | Some medications can cause side effects like dizziness and nausea when you first start taking them. Many people are afraid of this and stop taking their medications on their own. This is not a good idea. If you experience this, the best thing to do is to talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to give you a solution to reduce the side effects, or switch you to a different medication. Remember, most side effects will go away over time. |
| Drug Interactions | Some medications you take for other conditions (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure) can interact with antidepressants. This can cause either medication to not work properly. Sometimes, these interactions can be dangerous. So, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. |
| Wrong medicine or wrong dosage | Antidepressants work differently for everyone. A medication that works well for one person may not work at all for another. So, it takes some time to find the right medication and dosage for you. It's like a trial and error process. Patience is key. Many people give up on this journey. |
Does your genes (DNA) have an effect?
This is a complicated topic. Researchers are now looking into whether some people's genetic makeup makes depression more difficult to treat. That is, people with certain genes may be less likely to respond to treatment.
However, this is still in the research stage. With current technology, it is not possible to say exactly which antidepressant is best for a person through a genetic test. Therefore, the best medicine for now is to talk to your doctor and experiment.
The impact of other health problems and habits
Sometimes there may be another underlying health problem behind your depression. If that problem is not properly treated, it will be difficult to treat the depression no matter how hard you try.
- Other medical conditions: Medical conditions such as heart disease, cancer, or thyroid problems can directly cause or worsen depression. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, can also cause it. Therefore, it is essential to treat these other medical conditions as well as depression.
- Drug and alcohol abuse: Depression and drug/alcohol abuse seem to go hand in hand. Some people turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pain of depression. But these habits actually make depression worse. Also, alcohol and drugs interfere with the effectiveness of antidepressants. If you have this problem, it is important to talk to your doctor about it and get help for it.
Can the diagnosis be wrong?
This is a bit difficult to talk about, but it's a very important point. Very rarely, what sometimes happens is a misdiagnosis. That means you may not have treatment-resistant depression, but rather another mental health condition.
For example, someone with bipolar disorder may first experience a depressive episode. This can be misdiagnosed as depression. Similarly, anxiety disorders or substance-induced mood disorders can also present as depression.
This is why it is so important to work with a specialist, especially a psychiatrist. If you have any doubts, you can ask your doctor if he or she has discussed this with anyone else. Or, there is nothing wrong with taking your medical records and seeing another specialist for a second opinion. That is your right.
Take-Home Message
- Antidepressant medications take time to work. Be patient. Don't give up hope for at least a month and a half or two.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without talking to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and other medical conditions you are taking.
- If you are using alcohol or drugs, talk to your doctor about it honestly. Getting help is part of the recovery process.
- Finding the right treatment for you is a journey of trial and error. Don't give up hope, and keep working with your doctor.
- Sometimes it can be very helpful to get a second opinion. Don't be afraid to consider it.
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