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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Who do i speak with regarding deep brain stimulation for depression?

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    Depression Mental Health
    I live in QLD. I have lived with depression for a few decades, the medications don't help enough. I am to start ECT again, it is beneficial, but it is temporary .My doctor considers me a candidate for this procedure. Where do I start? I've been on disability for some years due to depression. My funds are limited. Who do I speak to first; about the treatment; the costs; health cover; and the planning to make all these things come together? I have family support in Melbourne. It is hard to manage much at all, and to try and research this is difficult. I'm pretty much on my own in dealing with this. Where do I start? A plan would be good.
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    • Muriel Cooper
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    Muriel Cooper

    Psychologist

    I specialise in stress, anxiety and depression as well as general psychology. I have been a counsellor and psychologist for nearly 20 years and firmly … View Profile

    I can underestand how overwheling such a procedure can be.  Here's a suggested plan.

    1.   If your medical practitioner considers you a  candidate for the treatment, first make an appointment to discuss who they would  refer you to for this treatment.  Start your search in one place and branch out from there.

    2.   Ask the doctor or the specialist about he practical aspects of the treatment, such as effectiveness/side effects, availability etc., with them.
    Regarding costs, ask the practitioner or the specialist, how the treatment is paid for, whether it is covered by Medicare.  Since you are on a pension it looks like you have limited funds.  Would you feel confident as a volunteer for research in this area? Is this available?

    2.   Before you see them, make a list of the questions to want answered, including the questions above.  Do this before any appointments with medical practitioners to make sure you don't miss out on important information.

    3.   If they can't answer your question, ask them who can.

    4.   Who can be your supporter to help you get information and research the treatment?  It can be a family member, or friend.  If you ask someone to be your supporter for a given period of time - e.g. ‘Until I have found the answer to my search for this treatment’, they may be more willing to put in some intensive helping if it is towards a specific goal.  I understand your energy is limited and an ‘Agreement to support to a goal’ can be rewarding for both parties.

    5.   Start searching.  You have asked the question on the internet so that's a good place to start searching - an obvious place ro start in your search engine is to enter: deep brain stimulation for depression.
      
    In the meantime, continue with your scheduled treatment and I sincerely hope it givves you relief while you are waiting.  As John Lennon said “Life's what happens while you're making other plans”.  Good luck in your search.

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