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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by damnthislife on March 20, 2013, at 13:34:51
Hello all.
First post, I'll try to keep this short so I don't bore.
I'm a 31 y.o. Male. I have been struggling with what I can only imagine is depression, now, for over 7 years. My family history is severe with deperession. My symptoms are not like those in my family, though. I want to sleep all day long, have very low energy, can eat like a horse, but crave chocolate and carbs mostly. I hate being out in public or going anywhere socically and I'm very sensitive to rejection.
When I found Atypical Depression definition, I thought this had to be me. I confronted my Pdoc with this and said to me that I don't seem that depressed to him. I don't get it! So, I fired him and have a new Pdoc appointment coming up.
I don't understand how I don't seem depressed with what I have already told you. I go to sleep each night hoping I won't wake in the morning. I would be happy if someone told me tomorrow that my life was ending soon.
I have tried just about EVERY SSRI, SNRI, and Welbutrin. They all did nothing for me. I've also taken provigil, and some stimulants. All didn't touch my symptoms. Would like my new doctor to hopefully try an MAOI.
I have (in the past 7 years) ruled out all other physical reasons for my symptoms. I have been to so many different doctors and have blood work out the yin-yang. It's a struggle each day just to get out of bed, to have to put on a smile around co-workers and friends when I really just hate being around everyone and want to scream when someone seems happy.
Can anyone relate? Does this sound like it might be Atypical Depression? Anyone with similar symptoms as me?
Thanks!
Posted by baseball55 on March 20, 2013, at 19:53:44
In reply to Atypical Depression?, posted by damnthislife on March 20, 2013, at 13:34:51
Atypical depression generally involves sleeping a lot and a lot of suicidal ideation. Typical depression usually means insomnia. So it sounds like atypical depression. I can relate. I went through a period where I barely got out of bed for two months, rarely showered, didn't eat or drink more than absolutely necessary. Was completely vegetative. Fortunately, for me (though this doesn't sound fortunate), I was extremely suicidal and eventually attempted suicide. I ended up in a hospital for a month, after which my p-doc (who was also my therapist), insisted I find a DBT therapist. I did and the three of us met and agreed she would be my primary therapist. I have found DBT invaluable. I have not been hospitalized in two years, have not been bed-ridden for more than a few days in two years, have managed a whole summer off (I'm a teacher and have summers off, which always made my depression worse) without getting depressed.
Drugs help, but I believe DBT and CBT therapy helps more. Studies confirm this. Drugs without therapy are barely more effective than placebos. Find a DBT or CBT therapist and make a committment to work hard at it and stay alive for a year. You have nothing to lose.
Posted by Damnthislife on March 20, 2013, at 19:59:30
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression?, posted by baseball55 on March 20, 2013, at 19:53:44
You say you didnt want to leave the bed for a few months. Does that mean that you felt your energy return from time to time? I have never had my energy return except once when i experienced a really happy time while on vacation. This is when this all first started. I was away and while away i started feeling better. Had refreshing sleep, feeling happy. But after returning home for a while the excessive sleepiness returned as well and has been here for 7 years
Posted by AMB on March 20, 2013, at 21:31:46
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression?, posted by baseball55 on March 20, 2013, at 19:53:44
I have what can be considered atypical, treatment resistant depression and was most successful with MAOIs, especially Nardil. Unfortunately the side effects of weight gain was too distressful for me so I m on lamictal, Prozac and adderll for my add. This does well and therapy helps too. If you are up for the diet restrictions you may find a pdoc who will prescribe an MAOI. Mine was very well versed and up on the new med combos. Just make sure you tell them everything, how your old pdoc didn't think you were that severe is weird to me...you sound very depressed. It may be just a matter of finding a doctor who is the right fit and really listens.
Posted by Phillipa on March 21, 2013, at 10:09:56
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression?, posted by AMB on March 20, 2013, at 21:31:46
You also might want to post this on the medication board. Phillipa
Posted by damnthislife on March 21, 2013, at 10:15:44
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression?, posted by Phillipa on March 21, 2013, at 10:09:56
Thanks! I'll post this over there, as well. Just didn't know if I would get smacked for double posting
Posted by baseball55 on March 21, 2013, at 19:19:11
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression?, posted by Damnthislife on March 20, 2013, at 19:59:30
> You say you didnt want to leave the bed for a few months. Does that mean that you felt your energy return from time to time? I have never had my energy return except once when i experienced a really happy time while on vacation. This is when this all first started. I was away and while away i started feeling better. Had refreshing sleep, feeling happy. But after returning home for a while the excessive sleepiness returned as well and has been here for 7 years
I ended up in a hospital and on Parnate. That ended the vegetative depression, but not the depression itself. It got me up and moving. But the DBT really got me able to manage the symptoms and sometimes this is what this is about -- managing symptoms that drugs aren't controlling.
This is the end of the thread.
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