If you have already sought help and received treatment for your illness and are not getting better, there could be a number of reasons why. These include:
If you're not getting better we recommend the following steps:
As a first step we recommend informing your treating professional that you don't think you are getting any better. He or she should review your progress and whether there have been any changes that might need assessment. You should also let him or her know about any side-effects of medication you might be experiencing. This might indicate that a change in your medication is warranted. (If your treating professional is not your General Practitioner you may also like to consider seeing your General Pracititioner for advice.)
Suddenly ceasing certain medications can be dangerous, so it's best to seek advice beforehand.
If you have already told your treating professional that you don't think you are getting any better, and are not satisfied, or you don't feel comfortable with your existing treating professional, you have the right to seek a second opinion. There are many mental health professionals out there, and they can take differing approaches. There are also professionals who specialise in depression or Bipolar Disorder (such as the Black Dog Institute, see below).
The Institute provides a specialist second opinion service through its supported clinics. It specialises in difficult cases of mood disorders including assisting those who don't readily respond to treatment. Psychiatrists working in the clinics are all experts in diagnosing and treating mood disorders. They won't take over the management of your illness, but will work with your treating doctors. Find out more about seeking an opinion by a specialist at the Institute.
Most General Practitioners and other mental health professionals are quite comfortable about their patients seeking second opinions and will provide you with a referral to the professional of your choice. Don't feel uneasy about requesting a second opinion - it's a very common practice.
However, before too quickly changing from one treating professional to the next, realise that there are also sometimes benefits in staying with the professional who best knows your history and exploring solutions together. However, as the patient, it's your decision. It's important to feel comfortable with the person giving you treatment.
Also, realise that every individual is different and needs an assessment and treatment tailored to their individual condition and needs. What works well for one person may not work best for you.
In many instances, a lack of improvement can be a result of not following the treatment plan designed for a person.
Once you've found the person who can best help you, follow their advice, whether that be taking medications, having psychological therapy or following another approach. Ask him or her how long it should take to see an improvement so you know what to expect. Some treatments can take a while to take effect.
At the Institute we believe that the vast majority of people can be successfully treated for depression and Bipolar Disorder. If you haven't got better up till now that doesn't mean that you won't get better. There are many different treatments and it's often a case of persevering until you find the one that's best for you.
There are others who have been down the same path and have learned to manage their illness and live normal lives. There are also support groups for people with depression and mood disorders.
Page last updated: 26-Nov-2007
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.
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