← Return to Depression: What treatment can I try after so many years?

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@jcjc1

I've had 2 Traumatic Head injuries and suffer terribly with depression. I've suffered severely since the late 1990s, the 2nd head injury in 1996. I'm medication resistant & haven't found anything that works (I am bipolar, 74 and really need something to hold on to!) Can anyone advise me about genetic testing? My Father's sister had schizophrenia. I am presently taking Lamictal & just started with Remeron/ Mirpazapine (started 1/24) I was successfully taking Zoloft for many years (it worked really well). But I developed Colitus in the Spring, 2021 (one of the primary causes are SSRIs) & had to wean myself off the Zoloft around 9/30/2021. Really crashed with depression around the end of the Fall, 2021. The Dr. I was seeing retired & didn't/ wouldn't return calls or refer me to someone else! So I'm stuck & really do need to function. I am alone & care a bit for my retarded sister. Any ideas? I also believe I have bad hormone problems. At my age I still have "heat problems" somewhat similar to hot flashes. I feel like I'm all goofed up & really need to be completely evaluated. So I ask again about genetic testing, and what about hormone testing? I hope you can help me. Thanks so much for reading this. Take care and God bless you.

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Replies to "I've had 2 Traumatic Head injuries and suffer terribly with depression. I've suffered severely since the..."

@jcjc1, members offer tips and first hand experience with genetic testing in this discussion:
- Why Genetic Testing for Mental Health Meds is Important https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/why-genetic-testing-for-mental-health-meds-is-important/

I’m in agreement w/ Colleen…genetic testing is a start. However, I had a genetic test done in 2016. I have never had a “Dr” even look at it…in fact, one dr threw it in the trash ! So, I’ve had to research everything myself. It’s very time consuming & there’s a lot I don’t know still. Hopefully, if you have one, the ordering Dr will go over it with you.
Good luck.
P.S.
Mine was a pharmacological test, not sure if there’s a difference.