Can a 52-year-old try new therapies for depressive disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 52 years old and have been living with major depressive disorder since I was 20 years old. I have tried so many medications and therapies over the years.

Can someone at the age of 52 years with lifelong major depressive disorder finally experience a meaningful period of relief?
Or does the long duration of the condition mean lower chances of improvement?
I am still able to function in my daily life, but joy feels absent. Are newer treatments worth trying at this stage?

I feel tired of hoping for improvement only to experience another setback. I just want to know if real relief is still possible or if managing symptoms is the best I can expect now.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

It is common in major depressive disorder to have had a good response to an antidepressant previously, but later find that it is not improving depressive symptoms as much.

When an antidepressant does not improve depressive symptoms with the optimal dose and 6 to 8 weeks of duration, we will consider switching the antidepressant.

Switching to a different medication within the same class can also be helpful. If you have had a partial response to the current medication, then augmentation strategies can also be tried.

Lifestyle changes are recommended in depressive disorder; they can be really helpful. Regular physical exercise, social interaction, avoiding substance use, following a regular sleep-wake cycle, and learning new skills are healthy lifestyle options you can choose.

Newer treatment options that are FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression, such as Ketamine therapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), or more intensive therapy like electroconvulsive therapy, are safe and have good response rates. You can opt for these therapies as they have no major side effects. Be assured, depression is a treatable illness with many available treatment options.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at icliniq.

Take care.