New depression warning

The FDA is considering whether to add to the warning labels on antidepressant medications. The new warnings could include a caution that the medications run some risk of actually increasing suicidal thoughts in the short term. ABC News offers a good deal more information on the warnings and what they really mean.

This is not news to most mental health practitioners, nor should it be a major concern to those starting medication. The risks are greatest among those with the most severe depression, as they begin the "upward curve" of depression -- where they are still low enough to feel hopeless, yet are also experiencing a burst of energy. To be blunt, it's as though life is still awful, only now they have the strength to do something about it.

The take-home message from all of this is simple: If you start a course of medication for depression, stay in frequent contact with your doctor. And of course, if you are feeling suicidal (no matter what the reason), seek immediate help by calling 911 or your local crisis line.

A new depression treatment - and why it doesn't work

Today's Sacramento Bee reports on a new and controversial treatment for depression, Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS). According to the Bee's report, the treatment has been approved by the FDA in spite of minimal evidence that it actually works.

It's an interesting read, and I'll admit, one that left me puzzled. While it's great to have any additional treatments available that even might work to treat otherwise unresponsive depression, is it justifiable to ask such patients (or their insurers) to spend $40,000 on an unproven treatment? From the outside, I would say no, of course not; but if I were suffering from such a depression, I suspect I'd pay anything for even a little bit of hope.