Yesterday was a long day at the hospital, with first therapy, then a meeting to evaluate treatment, and finally an hour with the psychiatrist. The psychiatrist had actually also joined us during the last half an hour of therapy to discuss some options.

I had to fill out a Depression Index and I scored somewhere in the 90th percentile (they measure it in steps of 10). So I guess it's good news that less than 1/10th of depressed people feel worse than me, eh?

I started on new meds yesterday and we'll try these for two months, by which time they should work at least a little. If they don't, we'll switch to another med that's already been chosen. If that doesn't work, I'll be referred to ECT.

How messed up (and treatment-resistant) do you have to be that they're thinking of trying ECT on a 17-year-old?
And how messed up do I have to be that I, with my hospital traumas and fear of doctors, am actually considering it?

I'm kind of glad we have a plan of how we're going forward, though. This way I won't fall into a vacuum of "what are we going to do next?" if these meds don't work.

But still.. urgh.

[Rohag]

You're right - having a clearly defined treatment road map can be comforting in its own way.

In your discussions did the doctors establish criteria for "successful" treatment?

One way or another, may you find relief.

I assume he means any relief or improvement whatsoever - I know that's what I'm aiming for, anyway. The past five or six meds have had no effect at all.

[waterknob1234]

I am glad you have a treatment plan in place and an attentive treatment team. I hope all goes well for you and that things improve for you soon.