Treatment-resistant depression refers to depression symptoms persisting despite treatment. Emotional stress can contribute to treatment-resistant depression, according to MayoClinic.com. It may also be caused in part by not taking medications exactly as prescribed or an underlying health problem. Sometimes, it can be diagnosed because a patient has been misdiagnosed with depression or suffers from another mental health problem in addition to depression. If one of these factors is implicated and depression is effectively treated, symptoms can still come back. Be proactive to reduce risk and duration of another depressive episode.
Step 1
Work closely with a health care provider who specializes in mental health. Together, you can come up with a plan to prevent another occurrence of depression. A common mistake people make is to stop seeing a mental health practitioner when feeling good, but then having to re-start treatment later if a relapse occurs.
Step 2
Read as much as you can about treatment-resistant depression. Monitor mood changes and learn personal warning signs. Know that it's common to worry about relapse.
Step 3
Increase participation in normal activity gradually to keep from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, recommends the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Recognize that it's normal for these activities to cause you to feel anxious.
Step 4
Practice healthy habits. Get enough sleep, adequate nutrition and regular exercise.
Step 5
Build meaningful relationships. Work to establish a balanced life, with time for loved ones, work and leisure time.
Step 6
Continue taking your medication as directed. People with treatment-resistant depression may have to take higher dosages, or combine medications. Continue to visit a counselor or therapist, even though you feel better. Talk about whether any features of your personality contribute to depressive thinking.
Step 7
Look for treatment that improves all depressions symptoms. If all of your symptoms have diminished, you're less likely to have a relapse of depression, according to MayoClinic.com. Keep trying different treatments if your current treatment causes significant side effects.
Step 8
Undergo electroconvulsive therapy if you and your doctor have discussed the health risks. Electroconvulsive therapy is a procedure to treat depression in which electric currents are sent through the brain, triggering a brief seizure. If it has been effective once, you may need to undergo the procedure again if your doctor recommends it. Other times, medication and psychotherapy can be effective maintenance therapy.
Step 9
Receive all sessions of transcranial magnetic stimulation or vagus nerve stimulation if you've chosen to use these treatment methods. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain to improve depression symptoms. Vagus nerve stimulation is a procedure that sends electrical impulses into your brain in an effort to relieve depression symptoms. Both procedures require multiple sessions.
Step 10
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any signs of relapse. Early intervention is best.
