Rationale
Service users whose depression appears to be resistant to
treatment, or who have complex needs, require specialist
assessment. Suicide may be a high risk, so it is important to
ensure that informal carers and families are supported. There are
specific evidence-based interventions, eg electroconvulsive therapy
(ECT), mood stabilisers, antipsychotics and longer term
psychological therapy, which may be of considerable benefit when
prescribed for the right individuals. These may have to be
continued in the long term in a stable, supportive therapeutic
relationship.
Examples of evidence required to meet standard
37:
- local algorithm which includes options for those who appear to be
resistant to treatment