ECT didn't work -- what's next?

I have suffered from depression all my life - about 3 years ago, something changed and it became so severe I was unable to continue working or living on my own. I tried countless combinations of medications for over a year, then my dr recommended ECT. I have had ECT in the past but didn't feel it was effective, but I was desperate for some relief.

After 8 weeks of 2-3 treatments a week, the dr delivering the ECT in conjunction with feedback from me, felt like I was actually feeling worse.

I changed drs a couple of times again, just desperate for some relief -- another dozen or so medication trials and I'm still more depressed than I have been ever in my life. The suicidal idealization is stronger than it has ever been.

I guess all this background is just noise....what I really wanted to know -- has anyone who tried ECT without good result found another option that worked -- VNS, DBS, TMS -- anything?

Thanks in advance for your assistance!

Gosh back2ncgirl, I don't have any experience but wanted to know "you've been read". I dearly hope something is going to work for you, I do not wish anyone to experience this pain. I do know the frustration and hopelessness of "nothing working". I've been severely depressed for about a year now, nothing compared to your length of course, but nothings worked so far - meds, routines, etc. It makes me feel more hopeless and desperate and I can't say that I have a normal life with job, etc. , so to that part I can relate.

I do not have any personal experience with ECT but I do know of two cases similar to yours. The daughter of a friend of mine (she is in her early 30's) has tried many meds, ECT, and TMS without success. What has worked best for her is Adderall at a fairly high dose, three times a day. The other example is my mother, who many years ago had severe depression and received ECT. I think it helped a little but what eventually worked best for her was Lithium which is still used today for stubborn, hard to treat depression.

Good thing that you are still seeking answers.

Stay away from TmS a bad choice.. Doctors don't tel you about the bad side effects. I.e. Suicidiality, worsening depression hearing loss , vision problems, and so on. TMS is a big business and harmful.