During the course of this study, we are given all sorts of self-report assessments, from simple depression inventories to quality of life measurements. But what defines this treatment as a success?
In basic experiment terms, you compare the results of the treatment on an experimental group and if it meets the criteria statistically, then the treatment is, or is not, a success.
So let's say a person had a quality of life 15 years ago that was at an 8 or 9 on a 10 point scale - great life. Then depression hits: fatigue, cognitive fog, isolation, relationship failure, job failure, the whole gamut of long-term, treatment resistant depression takes hold and the quality of life reaches a 2 on a regular basis. (For many of us, a 2 is a good day. I'm not sure where suicidal thoughts creep in, but I'm going to say around 3, for the sake of argument. Not full ideation - or the actual development of a plan - just some of the thoughts creeping in).
So, a great life is 8 & 9; a sucky life is below 3. What should be the 'goal' of success for an anti-depressant treatment?
For some, just the boost out of the suicidal thought area is a great success - maybe a 4. The person may still have some major dysfunctional area, like being not able to hold a job, but at least they don't ruminate only about the disease. At a 5-6 they are more like people with situational depression - having some good days, some bad. I think 'normal' would be a 6-7 on my scale. A person who enjoys most areas of their life.
So what is success? Is a 5 enough?
I ask because I have had an increase in my scale. (Gizmo or meds or life changes - whatever the cause). I am better. But I am still bitter. I want my 8s back.
I recently had a heart-felt conversation with one of my children about the toll depression has taken on me and because of that, how it has affected them. The good news is he doesn't believe I'm a bad dad. In fact he believes I'm a good dad. That affirmation meant the world to me, but with the negative self-talk still creeping in, it also pointed out the bad news which is - imagine what kind of father he would have had without the disease. As he pointed out, he has never known me any different.
I have mentioned there being other blogs by other 'subjects' for these experiments. One has had major problems but recently found a little relief. Another continues her struggle with no relief. As for some others that don't blog but do occasionally communicate with me, the person I know who has had it the longest is achieving great things. Things she didn't think possible even 1 year after her implant. Another says he believes he is doing better and has switched medications to see if it improves even more. (I haven't heard from him lately - hint hint). The woman who is doing wonderfully has cautioned me that just like having a knee replaced, it takes time and effort and to be really cautious of over-doing. She isn't back to her 8s but she is enjoying her life again.
So as an update, I will say I am in a better place than pre-treatment. Do I believe gizmo is totally responsible? Not sure yet. Do I count myself as a success? Unfortunately, I want my full life back. It's somewhat relative I'm sure. Pre-operation, I might have been satisfied to be a success with my current quality of life as compared to then. But isn't it human nature to want more?
From my limited understanding, the initial study itself has proven to meet the criteria of success to move ahead. More hospitals may be getting ready to add more subjects to the statistics pool. I think that's a good thing.
I'll admit another thing, while I'm at it. Updating the blog is a downer for me. It's reality. Although looking back and seeing my progress should give me a feel good, bringing up the page and reminding myself that this is me. This is my life. And it ain't where I wish it were. That brings me down again. So, I avoid updating more often.
For anyone getting into these experiments - keep your expectations low. I monitor my general mood, anxiety, irritation and fatigue as different columns. i.e. My mood has improved but fatigue is the same. I remain hopeful. Hope is necessary! The medical field is making progress in understanding this disease and I am hopeful that even if this isn't the cure-all for me, it won't be long before something comes along that does the trick.
Is it wrong for me to want my 8s back? Are my own expectations unrealistic? I guess I am an optimist and believe it is possible.
