Table 2 Clinicians’ Approaches to Major Depressive Disorder in People with Very Poor Prognoses Versus Better Prognoses
From: Caring for depression in the dying is complex and challenging – survey of palliative physicians
INTERVENTION | RESPONSE | PALLIATIVE PHYSICIANS (n = 70) [counts (%)] |
|---|---|---|
a. Non-pharmacological interventions (e.g. supportive psychotherapy / counselling, cognitive therapy) | I don’t use | 2 (2.9) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 26 (37.1) | |
No difference | 26 (37.1) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 12 (17.1) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) | |
b. Typical antidepressant | I don’t use | 3 (4.3) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 36 (51.4) | |
No difference | 18 (25.7) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 9 (12.9) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) | |
c. Psychostimulant (e.g. methylphenidate, modafinil)≠ | I don’t use | 18 (25.7) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 3 (4.3) | |
No difference | 4 (5.7) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 18 (25.7) | |
No response | 27 (38.6) | |
d. Atypical antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, olanzapine) | I don’t use | 26 (37.1) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 6 (8.6) | |
No difference | 14 (20) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 20 (28.6) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) | |
e. Benzodiazepine | I don’t use | 28 (40.0) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 2 (2.9) | |
No difference | 12 (17.1) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 24 (34.3) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) | |
f. Novel medication / experimental trials (e.g. ketamine, esketamine nasal spray) | I don’t use | 49 (70) |
Less likely (cumulative | 4 (5.7) | |
No difference | 1 (1.4) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 12 (17.1) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) | |
g. Electroconvulsive therapy | I don’t use | 51 (72.9) |
Less likely (cumulative) | 10 (14.3) | |
No difference | 4 (5.7) | |
More likely (cumulative) | 1 (1.4) | |
No response | 4 (5.7) |