THE MANAGEMENT OF TREATMENT-RESISTANT DEPRESSION IN THE MEDICALLY ILL

Depression is a common problem in patients with medical illness. Comor bidity can increase the likelihood of treatment resistance and undersc ores the importance of thorough and definitive evaluation of all disor ders. Treatment selections must be considered carefully to avoid signi ficant side effects and drug-drug interactions. Metabolic pathways and effects on the identified organ system will guide the clinician's cho ice of antidepressant medication. Increasing numbers of alternatives a nd combinations will assist today's physician in treating depression i n the medically ill patient effectively.