possibility of recurrance of severe depression

[molayne]

i have been severely depressed for a considerable length of time and lost a severe amount of weight to the point that my life was in danger from both severe malnutrition and suicide. i spent 32 days in the hospital, and finally underwent numerous ect treatments. the treatments have provided considerable relief, i am feeling and eating much better but i underwent my last treatment today and i am concerned about the possibility of the depression returning. i will continue to see my psychiatrist, and i think i will be on a maintenance dose antidepressant, but i am very afraid of what lies ahead. i am still having considerable trouble sleeping and nothing the dr. has prescribed has helped in that area, so i am really afraid. the only thing that saved me this time was the close supervision of the hospital staff and the dr. and hyperventilation therapy. i am also just finishing the hyperventilation therapy and i really don't think i would make it through it all again. my question is what are the possibilities of a recurrance? i realize that you cannot make a prediction but i would appreciate an educated guess on your part to give me some idea. any info you can offer would be appreciated. i should add that i did not respond to antidepressants in the past. will they be effective as maintenance therapy?    thanks for any info you can give. molayne

[HFHS MD - RG]

Dear Molayne,

It must be a difficult undergoing such experience because of your  depression. However,it is worthwhile to note that you are improving with your current treatment.

A history of three or more Major Depressive episodes are associated with high relapse rate. Also,if this is associated with Bipolar I disorder, mixed type (depression and manic) or with rapid cycling, the recurrence are higher than if you only had the major depression only.

Some psychiatrists advocate for maintenance ECT specially if you had not responded to antidepressnts alone in the past.

I recommend a re-consult with your psychiatrist to discuss your concerns.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD - RG

[molayne]

please note that i meant to say hyperalimentation therapy. its no fun but it saved me. thanks again

[molayne]

my psychiatrist has suggested the possibility of maintenance ect therapy, and i guess i will agree if i have to, but i would prefer to avoid it if possible. i hate it! but as i said, that and the hyperalimentation saved me so i have to be extremely grateful. thank you for your opinion. molayne

[molayne]

just one more question and i promise! i have been having memory problems from the ect therapy. i guess its normal under the circumstances but it bothers me alot. how long do they usually last before clearing up once the therapy is complete? thanks in advance for your input!  molayne