Treatment options for refractory depression

J Clin Psychiatry. 1999:60 Suppl 4:57-61; discussion 62-3.

Abstract

A significant proportion of patients with depressive disorders do not experience a full response with antidepressant treatment. Fortunately, most eventually remit, even though the time to response may be significantly delayed in many patients. A variety of options exist to deal with these difficult clinical situations. Established strategies include switching to an antidepressant of an alternative class (e.g., tricyclic to a monoamine oxidase inhibitor [MAOI] or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and augmentation with lithium or thyroid hormone. Promising alternatives include combined serotonin and norepinephrine enhancement strategies (e.g., SSRI plus serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [NSRI] or higher doses of venlafaxine or fluoxetine), steroid suppression therapy, augmentation with atypical antipsychotics, and psychotherapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy
  • Humans
  • Lithium / therapeutic use
  • Psychotherapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Lithium