Posted by SLS on May 23, 2009, at 5:35:38
In reply to Re: A converted SSRI skeptic, posted by Neal on May 23, 2009, at 1:27:04
> Talking in the abstract here and not recommending any changes or be a killjoy.
>
> Scientifically speaking, 14 weeks is almost 4 months and I seem to remember reading something about the course of most depressive episodes running 4 to 6 months.I wasn't aware of this statistic.
> My question is: Is there a chance this individual's depression could have gotten better on it's own in that amount of time?
Of course.
That's one reason why it is so important to develop a historical life chart of prior illness. If there hasn't been any previous episodes of depression, it is reasonable to treat for 6-9 months once remisson is achieved. Of course it might take several weeks to reach the point of remission.
If there is another occurrence, the treatment protocol can be reinitiated, with treatment of 12-18 months. However, if the depression recurs more than 3 times or if the depression is chronic, long-term treatment is indicated. I guess that means a few years to indefinite.
The attending doctor might decide that the patient is depressed, but that he might not fit the criteria nor have the history to indicate a diagnosis of major depressive disorder. He might, instead, recommend that psychotherapy is an appropriate treatment. If the doctor is really good, he will schedule a follow up appointment in 6 months for a reevaluation.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:896590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090515/msgs/897214.html