Q: Does it make more sense to put CHEMICALLY ADDICTED people in PRISON for POSSESSION or in REHAB?
Addiction is an illness. Narcotics abuse is an illness. Logically, the purchasing, possession and abuse of a drug by an addict is as much of a health concern as it is a legal one.

Narcotics abuse is undoubtedly a more emotionally complicated crime than other nonviolent offenses such as theft and vandalism, but early attempts to curb abuse lacked the necessary breadth to get addicts clean. Incarceration is not an effective method of freeing drug users from the substances on which they depend.

You cannot always beat a beast into submission, and the national “war on drugs,” as it is currently framed, attempts to do just that. It aims to prevent drug abuse and crimes through the enforcement of strict, blanketed penalties for citizens who violate.

Although national policies on drug prohibition state the goal is to promote public health, more funding, both on a national and local level, is allocated toward criminal investigations and prosecution of drug users than toward education and rehabilitation.

The fruitless brute-force methods established at a federal level are also standard at the local level. The Los Angeles Police Department made 26,131 arrests for violent and property-related crimes in 2003, according to a statistical report released by the chief of police.

The same year, the LAPD made 27,486 narcotics arrests. In short, police officers arrested 1,300 more citizens for narcotics violations than for murders, rapes, thefts, aggravated assaults and larcenies combined.

Despite the widespread arrests for narcotics-defined crimes in 2003, the effects the arrests had on usage was negligible. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of adult users and abusers remained at a flat line.

Crime statistics show that harsh sentencing for nonviolent drug possession convictions is ineffective in deterring repeat offenses, but further analysis reveals that incarceration for those first offenses could increase the probably of a second offense. Relapse rates are more than 70 percent from all forms of criminal justice interventions and corrections-oriented approaches alone, according to the U.N. Office on Drug and Crime.

California took a step in the right direction in November of 2000 when it passed Proposition 36 – the initiative that allows people with first- and second-time drug possession convictions to receive drug treatment instead of incarceration – but implementation and funding issues have prevented the proposition from being wholly successful.

Officials at the district attorney’s office told the L.A. Weekly that they had expected the primary patients enrolling in the rehabilitation programs to be recreational users – not full-blown addicts. The money allocated to fund rehabilitation programs and medical treatment is insufficient for the more typical, heavily addicted individuals who frequently require longer, more expensive treatments in residential facilities instead of 12-step outpatient program.

Recent state and county cutbacks have been devastating to already strained programs made possible by Prop. 36. To further complicate matters, the sheer size of the county coupled with the lack of money makes proper regulation of the program near impossible to assess.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, effective drug treatment programs combine the necessary medical aid and social services required to get the addicted individual back on track. Prop. 36 has made headway in providing Californians in need with a chance at restored chemical freedom, but without additional well-funded social welfare programs such as job placement services, access to medical and mental health treatment facilities, and counseling services, the success of the legislation is extremely limited.

A more compassionate solution to the drug problem is not only more humane, it’s more cost effective. Every dollar spent on drug and alcohol abuse treatment saves the public $7, according study findings released by the state in 1994.

To successfully combat drug abuse and drug-related crime in California, the state needs to ensure that allocating funding for rehabilitation programs is a priority.

In addition to the court-mandated programs created by Prop. 36, the city needs to make comprehensive voluntary rehabilitation programs accessible to drug addicts who want to change before they’re picked up by the police. The earlier people are given a hand to make the change, the sooner they will.

It’s easy to demonize drug addicts and dismiss jail sentences that still too frequently follow possession convictions, but blame doesn’t create change.

An addict with hopeless prospects has a hard time finding motivation to get clean, but if the society around that addict is willing to offer guidance, support and the promise of brighter future for the willing, the incentive to get sober suddenly becomes tangible .

Compassion must become a fundamental element in the rehabilitation system, and compassion starts with understanding. Prop. 36 was a great start, but there’s still a long road ahead.

A: This isn’t a question, it’s a diatribe. Rehab only works if the person wants to go.

Q: Mental illness?
could you please write down some symptoms of various types of mental illness because i used to have a friend i really cared about and i’ll always wonder whether he may have had a problem there. like, sometimes, he would seem like he was in a completely different world, completely detached and he never knew when we would be able to meet. like he had problems with his nerves or something. he mentioned this to me once. also, we would hang out from about 10 am to 3 pm and then despite wanting to spend more time with me, he would have to drive back home and he got nervous. like he was about to have an attack or something. it’s really hard to explain but i could recognize something was wrong from his facial expressions, he would be totally detached from everything but the thing is he does have a job. do people or can people who have a serious mental illness work?

he lived alone and was able to take care of himself perfectly but i sensed something was very wrong.
no he was not on drugs!!

100%

what was it then
no he loved me very much.

i was his only friend

the place where he lives, he has no friends there and the neighbor said he never talks to anyone and she sometimes sees he’s nervous. that’s all.
i went to visit him once because i felt something was very very wrong and when i got there he was not able to talk to me for even 2 minutes. when he opened the door i saw tears in his eyes. i then called him a few days later and said we should go to the doctor but he refused to. gradually we lost touch but i still love him.

thanks.
i went to the doctor myself but nobody wanted to help me with him. they said he would have to come there.

so if his condition become unbearable?? who will help him? why did the doctors let me down in wanting to help him? why didnt they just get there and drove him to the hospital

thanks

A: He is on drugs.

Q: Mental Illness?
Does anyone in here been diagnosed or has a mental illness. I.e bipolar/manic depression. Are you on medication or do you risk going with the ups and downs on the illness.

A: tell me full details about it

Q: mental illness?
Do you all think mental illness is the hardest illness to overcome,and what do you allt hink the primary cause of mental illness is?

A: The past is not yet the past. It is the force that has shaped the present and, if you are not careful, it will turn out to be the force that defines your future. You keep referring to some experience which made a big impression on you long ago. You are subtly allowing this to colour your judgement, prejudice your opinion and stunt your imagination. You stand poised to achieve great things. Before you can move forward successfully, though, you must first face (and beat) an old fear.

good luck!!!

Q: Why do people think a mental illness is a weakness?
Alright first thing is first I have nothing against people who have long or short term mental illnesses.

There are many people out there who have something against people with mental illness, & I am wondering why is that I think its a lack of knowledge and people see people with mental illness as one and not by individual qualities & uniqueness.

Why do people think that a mental illness is a weakness and scared?
Do you think mental illnesses are a weakness or not and explain, & please be consecrate and think before you speak.

A: Well, I don’t think mental illness is any more a sign of weakness than having diabetes or a cold. If we could control it, it really would not be an illness now would it? Anyone who thinks that it is a sign of weakness is simply not looking at the situation correctly.

Q: What mental illness has the highest percentage of feces smearers?
What mental illness is someone most likely to be a feces smearer? Is it Autism or Skitsofrenia or something else?

A: Feminism

Q: what is mental illness and a few things about it ?
1.Define what it means to be considered mentally healthy.
2.Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity. Highlight and explain these different types and how they can affect a person’s life.
3.Describe some of the factors that might contribute to a person developing a mental illness.
4.What are some simple tasks that a person can do to help prevent them from developing a mental illness?
5.Identify and describe some of the support agencies that are available for people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness.

A: 1. You accept yourself and others. You are happy with your life. You are well socially, mentally, and physically.
2. I can’t highlight your homework for you, but I can explain to you my experience. I have an anxiety disorder, mild OCD and PTSD, Depersonalization, and Schizophrenia. It’s also possible that I have BiPolar, which would turn the Schizophrenia into Schizoaffective disorder. The Schizophrenia, being the worst, obviously affects me the most. So much of what I do is affected by it, and at it’s worst, you feel as if you are in a living hell. Anxiety is right up there next to it, because I have a pretty severe case (the anxiety brought upon the Depersonalization and OCD). The PTSD isn’t as bad as it used to be, but it still bothers me.
You may become socially withdrawn. Avoidant. People may not want to be around you because of your mood problems or crazy ideas. It may be harder to find a stable job and to keep up with the medical bills.
3. Abuse, one specific traumatic event, being bullied, having poor self-image….the general upbringing of a person.
4. I find that it’s almost near impossible do prevent developing a mental illness. My own therapist says that I have insight, which means that I can tell that some of the things I am doing are bad, typically before it gets into a very severe case. This is a good thing. I have that to lean on, and so I mention it to the psychologist before it can get worse. If someone isn’t so lucky, then….I mean, I don’t know. Mental illness just comes. It’s a hell of a lot harder to treat than physical illness, that’s for sure, and you are usually never completely cured.
5. Family, friends, therapy, group therapy, rehab, mental institutions

I typically don’t do people’s homework for them, but I’m bored out of my skull and thought “Why the hell not?”

Q: Can homelessness cause mental illness or is mental illness heightened by homelessness?
I am aware that many people who are mentally ill are homeless. However weren’t they already mentally ill, prior to becoming homeless? My main question is, if a person is medically proven to not have a mental illness or depression becomes homeless, does the traumatic effects of being homeless make said person mentally ill? If so, with help can such a person become socially normal, or are the mental changes permament?

A: If I have caught your meaning correctly,
my response is that both of these feed each other.

The mentally ill person — with poor judgement and living outside of reality makes a series of bad decisions.

The series of bad decisions (mental illness) uninterrupted results in losing a place to live or homelessness.

The homeless situation lacks in stable healthy surroundings that would promote or sustain health — and the mental health of the individual is further disrupted and endangered.

The further the mental health of an individual spirals down, by living in high stress conditions, the greater his dysfunction grows, and the less able he is to get himself out of the homeless situation.

Like I said, one condition feeds the other.

This is why family and community support is of necessity to assist people in becoming healthy and self-supporting.

Q: What was the mental illness that James Frey claimed to have?
Either it was James Frey, or someone else, but I remember that there was someone who wrote a memoir but it wasn’t true and he was diagnosed with some sort of mental illness, or he claimed to have it. What was it?

A: Addiction

Q: What kind of mental illness causes you to eat your hair?
I met this girl over the weekend who eats her own hair. Not just like nibbling, but eats large chunks at a time. Apparently this is a mental illness, does anyone know what it is?

A: I believe it is called Pica. A friend of mine has it. She says it is caused by the amount of stress she is under and the fact that her mom used drugs while she was pregnant for my friend.

Q: What is the legal definition of a mental illness?
I’m doing a presentation on mental illnesses and I need to know the legal definition of a mental illness. It’s very important that I get it.
I need the LEGAL deffinition only! Not some bull**** crap spam site links, or long ass definitions with multiple definitions in one. No. I only need the legal definition of mental disorder/illness. Thank you.

A: mental illness of such a severe nature that a person cannot distinguish fantasy from reality, cannot conduct her/his affairs due to psychosis, or is subject to uncontrollable impulsive behavior. Insanity is distinguished from low intelligence or mental deficiency due to age or injury. If a complaint is made to law enforcement, to the district attorney, or to medical personnel that a person is evidencing psychotic behavior, he/she may be confined to a medical facility long enough (typically 72 hours) to be examined by psychiatrists who submit written reports to the local superior/county/district court. A hearing is then held before a judge, with the person in question entitled to legal representation, to determine if she/he should be placed in an institution or special facility. The person may request a trial to determine sanity. The original hearings are often routine with the psychiatric findings accepted by the judge. In criminal cases, a plea of “not guilty by reason of insanity,” will require a trial on the issue of the defendant’s insanity (or sanity) at the time the crime was committed. In these cases the defendant usually claims “temporary insanity” (crazy then, but okay now). The traditional test of insanity in criminal cases is whether the accused knew “the difference between right and wrong,” following the “M’Naughten Rule” from 19th Century England. Most states require more sophisticated tests based on psychiatric and/or psychological testimony evaluated by a jury of laypersons or a judge without psychiatric training. 4) a claim by a criminal defendant of his insanity at the time of trial requires a separate hearing to determine if a defendant is sufficiently sane to understand the nature of a trial and participate in his/her own defense. If found to be insane, the defendant will be ordered to a mental facility, and the trial held only if sanity returns. 5) sex offenders may be found to be sane for all purposes except the compulsive dangerous and/or anti-social behavior. They are usually sentenced to special facilities for sex offenders, supposedly with counseling available. However, there are often maximum terms related to the type of crime, so that parole and release may occur with no proof of cure of the compulsive desire to commit sex crimes.

Q: Is there a mental illness or disorder in which people make themselves sick for attention?
I thought it was Munchausen syndrome but WebMD describes Munchausen syndrome as a mental illness in which a person repeatedly acts as if he or she has a physical or mental illness when he or she is not really sick.

Is there a mental illness or disorder in which a person actually makes themselves ill for attention?
What I mean to say is if munchausen syndrome is a disorder in which people just PRETEND to be ill(according to webmd) then is there a form of mental illness or a disorder in which a person actually makes themselves ill for attention?

A: symptoms are either self-induced or falsified with munchausen syndrome

EDIT: Hypochondriacs don’t make themselves sick, they themselves worry that they are ill.

Q: What limitations does a mental illness cause on your life?
What do you find you can’t do? And want to do? And how do you cope with work or school and so on and so forth and what kind of things do you do to help with your mental illness without taking medication? I am getting new medication when I go back to the Psychiatrist on 8th March.

And also, has anyone suffered from a Personality Disorder, Anxiety and/or Depression and got better? If so how ^_^ Thanks!

A: Every mental illness is different and everybody has different symptoms. Without medication you will find it difficult or impossible to function normally in society. I am so glad that you are getting a new medication in March, I hope that will help you. But remember there are the special therapies that teach you the skills you weren’t able to learn in childhood.

Q: What effects to illegal drugs have on mental illness?
I have a friend that has some mental illness but has never dealt with it, he also is depressed a lot. He’s gotten involved in pot and meth. I personally think he’s trying to self medicate.

I was wondering though, how do these drugs effect mental illness? Will it make mental illness worse, or is there something too self medicating? Or is self medicating just getting so high, or drunk that you don’t have to deal with anything?

A: …pot could help or have no adverse effect… other than the possibility of slight paranoia

but meth totally messes up people without mental illness to start with!!! it removes all form of normal reasoning and brain function from a person!!! …not to mention with prolonged use all of his teeth will rot and fall out!!!

get him off of the meth!!! ASAP!!!

Q: Why is nymphomania considered a mental illness in women but not men?
A lot of men are crazy horn dogs but they get away with it because “their men, their born with higher sex drives.” So why is nymphomania considered a mental illness in women who are as horny or hornier than men?

A: Stupid double-standards:(
And I guess it sorta makes sense that guys naturally have a higher sex drive, just like they’re naturally more aggressive, and often d-bags. You’re completely right, though, it’s ridiculously unfair.
Hahah, great question, though!

Q: What are some other cultural conceptions on mental illness?
Because the categorization of mental illness is based on social conceptions of human behaviour, I’m interested to know how mental illness perceved in other (non western) countries/cultures.

I would like people to share any info or personal experience on the treatment and perception on what are considered mental disorders and how they differ from western psychiatry. I think with growing multi culturalism its interesting to know.

Also what are some different spiritual/cultural ideas behind the treatment of disorders like psychosis, mania, personality disorders and depression?

A: I dont know about other cultures but I do know that in Russia at one time they had a serial killer and they denied that there was one for around 4 years (their claim was something like how could anyone be so evil in a workers paradise)
This also happened in China as well.

other then those two places I am not sure.
(all that I know is from reading about serial killers. I dont recall the russian dude’s name, or the chinese either, but you can find out about them more on any website about serial killers)

Q: Why do my parents resist medication for bipolar disorder?
It seems like whenever I feel empty inside, I need medication. I have told my parents that maybe I should try meds for my disorder but they just tell me that they don’t trust pills like that. Why is this?

A: They may be afraid of some of the side-effects they’ve heard of, like increased suicide attempts, weight gain, etc. and don’t want to put you at risk.

They may also be afraid that you’ll decide your wellness depends on taking a pill and they may fear taking medication may set you up for a future drug problem (which bi-polar people are at risk for).

If you are currently seeing a therapist, then see if you can all sit down together with the therapist as a family to come up with a way to better manage your symptoms.

Since you cannot take meds, do know there are ways to alter your mood without drugs that work for a lot of people. Exercise is one of the best things you can do. Eating well can help as well. There are foods that help our moods – you can do a search on this via the internet. Also know that getting enough (but not too much) sleep is key for you as a bi-polar person. You might try charting your sleep and wake times and see if you find that your mood is better or worse based upon your sleep schedule.

I’ve parented two bi-polar children, and I know your life isn’t easy. Best of luck.

Q: Is there any medication for bipolar disorder?
I think i have moderate bipolar disorder. I am seeing a psychiatrist in June and was wondering if there is some kind of medication he can give me to keep my emotions under control. thanks

A: Eskalith… I tried the capsule kind, but I would swear by Eskalith 450 mg tabs It turned my life completely around. It’s like the tornado in your head finally lifts.

Abilify mentioned below was great for my son, but it made him shake so badly.

Q: Does the Army National Guard disqualify applicants who are on lifelong medication for bipolar disorder?
Thanks.
Well, if the applicant is treated with medication that gets rid of any major problems, what it the deal?

A: Bipolar disorder is an automatic disqualifier from serving in any branch of the armed forces. It sounds as if you have had good luck with your treatment..you have found meds that work and have accepted the fact that you need to stay on them to stay stable. However, not all bipolar individuals are so lucky. Additionally, the stress that often accompanies military service, along with the impossibility of maintaining your care with a single provider throughout your military career, increases the risk of problems arising. This can put both the person with bipolar and his fellow soldiers at risk. It is hard to understand when you are doing well, but it truly is meant to ensure that you continue to do well.

Q: is phentermine safe for someone on medication for bipolar disorder?
I am happy and healthy right now except for being moderately obese. I am 212 and 5 10. Size 16. I want to lose weight and have tried everything from starvation to being an exercise nut and NOTHING is helping. My sister took phentermine and is now a size 4. I want to take it too but because I am on abilify am scared to. I can not find any information on drug interactions for either medication that name each other as conflicting but just wondered if anyone has any additional information
Thanks in advance for serious polite answers.

A: DON’T MIX MEDS see Doctor before you do this could be dangerous

Q: Do doctors ever prescribe medications for bipolar disorder with a medication for depression/social anxiety?
I’m trying to figure out if I’m going for too much here. I’m already on medication for bipolar disorder and ADD, but I have a case of social anxiety that I know Zoloft will help me with. The only thing the bipolar disorder medication (supposedly) does is neutralize moods. I haven’t noticed a significant difference with this. Has anyone ever been on something like Depakote and been on an SSRI at the same time? Or would you think a doctor would recommend taking one or the other, but not both?

A: It is very common for a psychiatrist to prescribe multiple medications for bipolar disorder. An Anti depressant, a mood stabilizer and an anti psychotic. Talk to your doctor and let hi know that you are not seeing enough releif from your symptoms, maybe changing your current meds or adding a medication is what you need.

Q: Does anyone know of a medication for bipolar disorder that does not cause weight gain?
I’m either going to start an atypical anti psychotic or a mood stabilizer but I have a really hard time with weight gain already and struggle to lose weight so I need something will not make this worse, any suggestions??

A: If you are concerned about having weight gain due to medication, then you must explain your concerns to your health professional and request something that does not increase weight as a side effect. They are usually very sympathetic and there are always alternatives.
It is not a good idea to go to them and simply ask for xxx tablet.
Take care.

Q: Need info about bipolar disorder medication after Gastric bypass Surgery.?
What if a person with bipolar disorder has the gastric bypass surgery – does anyone know if there is an issue concerning medications and the ability to absorb them after the surgery? Has anyone had this problem? What medications work for people who have had the surgery – which mood stabilizers and what antidepressants work for people who don’t absorb much in their stomachs? Person I am worried about is unable to take the same meds as before and is having a terrible time so if anyone can help?
At the hospital they didn’t address this concern at all and the counseling they said they provided was nothing more than a poor question and answer waste of time. If you are considering the surgery please get counseling before hand so you are well prepared emotionally for the outcome – it’s alot harder to adjust than you realize and you need alot of support whether you have had psychological problems before or not.
THANKS
She already has had the surgery. And YES they will give the surgery to anyone who has the money and will get loans to those who don’t have the cash. Their mental eval took like 5 minutes and was worthless. Surgery was scheduled within 3 weeks of first phone call to the “hospital”.

A: They gave a person with a diagnosed mental illness a GB? I thought people had to have a full eval before-and mental illness was a bar to the surgery.

Q: bipolar disorder medication?
wat r sum good medications for bipolar disorder???

A: I take Effexor and Neurontin (mood stabilizer) and I have Trazodone at night for sleep.

I like my meds – no weight gain or neg sexual effects and that’s real important to me. Effexor is a SNRI not a SSRI. I’ve been stable for 8.6 years on them.

Zoloft is a good SSRI if you worry about weight gain, that and Effexor shouldn’t be prescribed for anorexics though..

Q: What is the best medication for bipolar disorder?

A: I would refer you to Jerod Poore’s www.crazymeds.us

There is no ‘best’ medication for bipolar, there is only the medication that works, and it is a trial and error process to find it.

The standard treatment for Bipolar is a mood stabilizing drug (sometimes called anti-epileptic) like lithium, lamictal or depakote. Frequently an antidepressant is added on to improve mood quality. The actual cocktail people finally end up on can vary widely, from one mood stabilizer like lithium, to four or five drugs. It depends on your individual situation and needs.

For normal manic/BP1, Lithium is always the best starting place. It may not work, but it’s a good place to start.
For BP2 or a BP with a lot of depression problems, lamictal (generic: lamotrigine) is a very good starting place.

There’s a movement lately to toss bipolar patients on atypical antipsychotic drugs like Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal, Geodon and Abilify. This tends to have -very- poor results (on the whole, they do work for many people). These drugs are under patent and subject to a lot of marketing pressure. In my opinion, these are not first line drugs, and should not be tried until at least a few mood stabilizers have failed to work.

Q: Is there a way to manage Bipolar Disorder without medication?
I take 600mg of Seroquel and 1500mg of lithium each day for Bipolar Disorder. I’m tired of feeling like a zombie and my memory is shot. I just don’t like the way I feel anymore. My doctor says that this is the best drug combination for me. Any ideas anyone?

A: Whatever you don’t stop taking your meds. If you feel your current doctor isn’t meeting your needs then find another doctor. There are other medications out there that won’t make you feel bad.

Q: How do I deal with Bipolar Disorder without medication?
I am not sure I want to be tied down with medication for the rest of my life. I hate feeling fine one week and downhill the next. Help me please. I hate it!

A: Im bipolar and un-medicated.. It pretty much sucks and you hate your life, lol.. Seriously though, if you get on meds you will eventually have to change every so often just because your body gets used to it and it no longer works.. I’m only 18 and I’ve been on about 4 or 5 different meds since I was 16… but the meds to help to an extent.

Q: Any good advice on coping with bipolar disorder without medication?
I am currently going through a manic phase which I am enjoying and kind of using to my advantage. However I am afraid I will be encountering depression soon and don’t want to deal with it. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to level myself out? I know caffeine is bad for me right now but I crave it to keep me happy.

A: The only way to cope with bipolar disorder (either manic or depressed state) is to be on medication which is prescribed by a psychiatrist.

It is fruitless to believe that you will be able to control a manic symptom and then control a totally depressed state in which you might attempt suicide.

If you have known that you are bipolar you should get in touch with your psychiatrist so that they will be able to help you get down. Many times you feel as if you can accomplish anything that you attempt when you are in a manic state, but the truth is that even though you think you have done a great job in reality it has been completed in a scattered manner and not as good as you thought it was.

I have experienced manic attacks where I felt that I could accomplish anything that I attempted to perform. I later found out that the results were not even done properly and needed to be done all over again by the person who was closed enough or even jeopardize your job due to the way it was done.

Please do not waste any time in obtaining help.

Q: Decreased sex drive/libido on medication for bipolar disorder?
Please unless you know anything about these medications and bipolar disorder please don’t answer. Lately within the last 6 months I have started to feel virtually no sexual attraction towards my boyfriend of 3 years.I am bipolar. I am still young, 22 and even just a year ago I was extremely attracted to him. It is not because we went past that “romantic stage”, we had already done that after the first year. I’m not depressed or manic at the current moment I take 5 medications: Effexor XR(75mg), Zoloft(100mg), Lithobid(300mg), and Lamictal (100). I am on two antidepressants and two mood stabilizers. The intention is to wean off one anti depressant and one mood stabilizer. My doctor wanted me on backup meds just in caused an episode. Our relationship is great, nothing wrong there. Are any of these medications kind of notorious for suppressing libido? I am only on 300mg of lithobid which is a very small amount for a bipolar patient. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks

A: your feeling run down as these drugs will do. But these drugs are addressing the more immediate problems for your health, this is just a side affect. You will have to accept this or try to move on. Do you feel anything anyone else?. probably not. IT is a stage that might pass.

Q: i’m afraid of how medication for bipolar disorder will affect me… are there other options?
i was diagnosed as bipolar over five years ago. it’s been a rollercoaster but i spend much more time in my manic stage (which i mostly enjoy) than my depressed cycle. i stopped therepy a while ago when they started talking about medication. i am not a big fan of western medecine as it has killed off more people i know than anything else combined. are there any alternatives to lend more balance to myself?

A: Medication is the only therapy that has consistently shown improvement in bipolar patients. Theoretically there are natural remedies, but they’re more risky because they’re not regulated. Bipolar disorder is believed to be caused in part by a chemical imbalance in the brain, so chemicals (medication) are necessary to balance that back out. It is your choice to not take medication, but you can expect your mood episodes to become more frequent and more severe.

Q: What should my friend do since he has no health insurance and needs medication for his bipolar disorder?
My friend was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and adhd. His family is kinda poor so he doesn’t have any health insurance.Its starting to affect his schooling and also almost every other part of his life. Does anyone know were he can go or what the best advise is for him?

A: possess as much information as you could maybe is one of the options,however it is quite time consuming,here

www.HealthInsuranceIdeas.info

is the resource i have ever had good experience.

Q: Does taking medication for bipolar decreases your sex drive?
My best friend’s husband has bipolar and takes medication. She is one frustrated woman, I can sense it although she does not talk about the subject. They are young in their 30’s. Could his decreased sex drive be a main reason for her frustrating attitude since he was diagnosed.

A: That is one of the worst drawbacks to most psychotropic medications. Most of them affect sex drive. Be there for her to confide in, also maybe you can tell her the medications can cause this. My husband takes lexipro and I am on a lot of medication and we both know about this. How we have worked on this is we have knowledge of the situation and it just takes extra effort. To put it bluntly sex takes more time to break through a chemical barrier. If we didn’t make an informed effort, we just wouldn’t have sex. You have try and work at it, you don’t just get those spontaneous urges anymore. O.K. probably way more than you wanted to know.

Q: what would happen if you took ecstasy while on medication for bipolar?
will he go insane? my friend wants to drop E, but i know he’s on medication for being bipolar. anyone knows what it could do to him?

A: Different medications target different different neuroreceptors in the brain – bipolar is different in everyone, so depending on what medications your bf is on, he could potentially be risking his life. Ever heard of serotonin syndrome? Check it out, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/serotonin_s…

“Symptom onset is usually rapid, often occurring within minutes after self-poisoning or a change in medication. Serotonin syndrome encompasses a wide range of clinical findings. Mild symptoms may only consist of tachycardia, and shivering, diaphoresis, mydriasis, intermittent tremor or myoclonus, as well as overactive or overresponsive reflexes. Moderate intoxication includes abnormalities such as hypertension and hyperthermia; a temperature as high as 40°C (104°F) is common in moderate intoxication. As well as the mild symptoms other features include hyperactive bowel sounds. The overactive reflexes and clonus in moderate cases may be greater in the lower limbs than in the upper limbs. Mental status changes include hypervigilance and agitation.[3]

Severe symptoms include severe hypertension and tachycardia that may lead to shock. Severe case often have agitated delirium as well as muscular rigidity and high muscular tension. Temperature may rise to above 41.1°C (105.98°F) in life-threatening cases. Other abnormalities include metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, seizures, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.”

Yeah, that sounds like a LOT of fun. Here’s another question for your bf- if he is on meds to stablize his mood, WHY on EARTH would he intentionally take a drug that CAUSES the very extreme highs and lows that he’s on the meds for in the first place for?????? If after all this, he still wants to do it, then he has no right to whine to anyone when he gets moody and his meds seem to not be working, cuz he’ll be the one who caused it. Sorry if i sound tough, but I’m a bipolar myself (med compliant) and I see this kind of stuff everyday, people complaining & crying about not being able to find meds that work, but then in the next breath I hear about the drugs they tried that weekend or about how wasted they got the night before. It just doesn’t work that way.

Good luck with your bf. I hope he makes the right choice.

Q: Living without medication and with bipolar?
I am currently taking medication for Bipolar. Is there anyway to get off the medications totally. I am only 25 and dont wanna be on these for my life. Anyone know a cure or what are my options?

A: ok well im just goin to tell you this from seeing it my whole life, my fiance is bipolar, he for the longest time wanted to be off his meds and without the guidance tried it, it put him right back into hospital. Taking medication is nothing bad, you need your meds bipolar is not only a mental disorder , it can become disabaling without your meds, your bipolar disorder is a chemical imbalance

Q: Can anyone offer me some advice on finding the RIGHT medication for bipolar & paranoid schizophrenia?
I’ve been browsing the web in hopes of finding a medication that will work for a young man aged 20 who is suffering these illnesses and whose psych doesnt seem to know what to prescribe or really care. He has morbid hallucinations and severe mood swings and a desire to kill himself. There are so many different meds for this – and we need to find the RIGHT one for him quick. So whatever advice and experience is offered will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

A: I’m bipolar type II and I’ve been through a lot concerning medications and bad psychiatrists. Much as it’s natural to feel like wanting to take some control over what is going on, only a doctor—a competent doctor—is really capable of deciding what is best for this person.

Since you indicate his state is very poor and he needs help quickly, I would really recommend a hospital stay. At the hospital he will be “under observation” by a number of professionals who can monitor his condition and based on talking to him and watching him over a period of days, hopefully get a better picture of just what is going on. It sounds like he may not even have a correct diagnosis.

So, much as I’m sure everyone here would like to give you a quick answer, the sad truth is that none of us are qualified to give you that kind of advice. This young man is suicidal and, according to you, experiencing severe psychosis (hallucinations etc.). He NEEDS to be under a hospital’s care.
Good luck and sorry I cannot offer more.

Q: Is there medication for bipolar dogs?
My dog is sweet but aggressive.You can be petting him and he can just turn around and bite you. And he will attack any stranger that comes into the house [as well as the possibility of biting any of the family members.
He is very small [chihuahua/daschund mix] but has a big bite.
we are starting to think he is bipolar or has some other sort of problem. is there medication for this kind of stuff? or a solution?
and the reason for me asking is

the last thing i ever want to do is euthanize him!

he [nor any dog] deserves that.

A: There are medications for extreme cases (ususally prescribed by your vet). I have never had it prescribed for one of my own dogs, but some of my dog training clients have tried it before calling me. I have never known it to be helpful (but my sample size is very small). It is possible that there is some underlying physical problem, so a thorough vet exam is definitely called for. Additionally, you may want to speak to an animal behaviorist or a very experienced dog trainer.

Q: how much would bipolar medication cost per day or per week or per month?
so if you’re taking to different kinds of pills, (not exactly sure what, but just two of the general ones for treating it) how much would the cost be per day, week, month, year? and if you have to go to therapy every week how much would that be per hour/week if you went for one hour?

A: depends on your insurance. With my insurance (i opted to pay $26 a month for the good prescription coverage) my meds cost me $50 for a 3 month supply….but due to med going to generic and i need to stay on name brand now thats going up to like $140 for 3 months supply. My therapy and drs appts each cost me a $25 copay. Also there is cost of my deductubles whenever i get blood work done for managing my meds and checking that they arent effecting liver function and checking thyroid just to make sure thats not causing issues….that is $40-100 depending on what tests get done at the time. So if i went to therapy every week it would all work out to costing me $500-600 every 3 months….but i dont go near that often.

as for base cost of meds without insurance, it very much depends on which meds. What I’m on one Rx would cost about $70 a month (and thats generic) and the mood stabalizer that i need the name brand would cost me like $400-500 i think. However something like lithium would cost much less. And without insurance you would likely be able to find therapy cheaper then my copays. There are many places that work on a sliding scale based on income if you dont have insurance. I looked into one before i had insurance and they told me it would cost me $15 a week.

Q: Will the VA give me medication for bipolar after discharge?
I was diagnosed with bipolar roughly a month ago, and now my unit informed me that they will start the chapter process for discharge. Will I be eligible to get my medication from the VA after my discharge has occurred? I have 18 months in.

A: Yes , and if you had the problem when you entered service and it was aggravated by your service , you may qualify for disability payments. Due to the backup of claims at most VA Regional Offices ( that’s where disability is determined ) , get a copy of all your military medical records before you get out , make a copy of them , file the copy, not the original with your disability. That will trim some time off the wait time since the VA will not have to request them. Make a note that that is all of your records. Also send a copy of your discharge with your claim. There are several service organizations to help you with your claim for no fee. I prefer the Military Order of the Purple Heart myself , they have gone above and beyond to help me over the years. Good luck and be patient , they are not speed demons for sure.

Q: side effects of antidepressants or medication for bipolar disorder?
What do you think of taking meds for bipolar disorder? I feel like i can’t function and i’ve gone most of my life without meds but I feel so alone sometimes in the way i’m feeling and can’t relate to anyone. Does anyone take meds, and what do you think are the pros and cons?

A: all medication will have some side effects and you may have to try a few different ones before you find the one that is right for you. I have been on depression meds for about 10 years now. I had to try a few and they either didn’t help or the side effects were bad. Each one effects different people different ways and you have to take them a few weeks to see if it will help you. Don’t get discouraged during the time you are trying to find the one that is right for you. When you find the one that helps your depression your body will adjust to the side effects. The benefits of the medication is worth it.

Q: Has anyone changed from Tegretol to another medication for Bipolar?
What were the reasons why you changed or got off Tegretol? What’s the name of the medication you changed to and how effective is it? What sort of side effects did you experience while on Tegretol and are there any side effects with the new medication?

Thank you!

A: Changed from Tegretol to Seroquel. Worked 100x better. Tegretol didn’t work…at all. Just made me hungry for everything. Seroquel just makes me sleepy that’s the only side effect.

Q: What is the best medication for bipolar 1?
I am on 400 mg of lamicatal daily but still seem to have break through episodes. Is there something else I could be on? I also have a bad memory and sometimes cannot remember where I am so I also know that once in a while I forget my meds, but even when I’m consistant I have breakthroughs.

A: We all have episodes sometimes regardless of our usual mood stabilizer.

I take Lamictal 250mg a day. I had an episode early this year for which I had to start Seroquel as an anti-psychotic, but after a week, I was already off.

Q: Is there a bipolar medication that kills sperm?
Me and my now ex boyfriend were talking one night, and he had told me he can’t have kids, because the medication he was on for being bipolar kills his sperm, and i asked other friend that are bipolar if they know of any medications. the all said not that they know of. so im starting to worry bc we did it with out a condom.. and i’m scared

A: He is full of sh*t……… if tgere were ANY medication that had the ability to kill sperm then it would be marketed in a heartbeat as a male pill…… He conned you into havign sex without a condom. Hope your period shows up and make sure he stays your ex. He’s an ass.

Q: What causes you to gain weight while on medication for bipolar?
I take Valproic acid, Citalopram, and when needed Risperidone.

My doctor doesn’t like to blame the meds but I have never gained weight before in my life until being prescribed these.

Has the same thing happened to you?

A: These medications are known for weight gain….. When I was concerned about weight gain my doctor said “ohh poo…… just don’t eat too much”. Bitch, if it were that easy it wouldn’t be listed as a major side effect. Your doctor is an a$$, almost all of these meds cause weight gain…….

Q: How long have you been on medication for Bipolar, and have you gained weight?
What medication are you taking?
I agree with you Kitty. I have gained a lot of weight since taking Depakote, Risperidone and Citalopram. I have never had a problem with my weight before this, in fact, I was always underweight!

A: I highly disagree with Ms Kitty – I take Effexor (SNRI)and Neurontin (gabapentin). Effexor causes weight loss of about 3 lbs and neurontin is neutral. Neither should be given to anorexics because of it. Actually I lost about 10 lbs and have kept it off 8.5 years since I started the meds for Bipolar.

The SSRI antidepressants only cause about a 5lb overall increase in body weight and only in some people. People like to blame medicine when it’s not, it’s just them overindulging day after day and not exercising. I took SSRI’s for years and never gained any weight – never.

Q: How long were you on medication for Bipolar? How have you been since?
I have not made my question clear. I wanted to know if you have come off medication, either by yourself or with the help of a doctor.

A: meds — get real and educated
The sin bin -Vested interest Apathy and other unworthy systems

As you can see I am not the only one saying this is happening

hi my background is research inventions where i am in touch with quite a few other researchers some of whom have suffered massively dealing with vested interest factions.
so if you value your health you better get aware of these problems and the health care systems
this information certainly has the capacity to unnerve you. However if you do like to know what is going on and are not afraid of the truth read on, it is very enlightening.

Drugs and other treatments
There are a few very important points that I would like to cover on the subject of drugs and research and treatment At present the system in England is this

,and this principle will apply to other countries as well

all treatment recommended by the health care people should be tested and approved and quite rightly so

Obviously it costs vast sums of money to test and approve treatments because of the possible damage to people and the subsequent litigation costing millions of pounds.
The point is this Where does this money come from to test and approve treatments?

By far the biggest source is the drug companies.
Do you think drug companies are some charitable institution – in the main they are there to make profit
What do you think the implications of that statement means

So take for example a researcher might go along to his local drug company and tell them his findings about this treatment he has been working on which is of outstanding value but needs testing further or approving, you might think they would be falling over themselves to know more –right, you could not be more wrong.

By and large only treatments which show a profit will even get examined.

Because they are in business to make a profit, not for serving the people.

So many of the thousands of therapies which they see as having no profit potential do not get approved

and thus by and large do not get recommended by your local doctor or hospital despite the fact that some of them do have overwhelming benefits some which have saved needless operations, needless amputations, needless pain and trauma, needless kidney failures and much loss of life.

Did you know there are groups of people begging drug companies to look into certain therapies for their possible benefit but many wont –why– money in the main

Your local G.P/ doctor is not a researcher , what does this mean , he is very taxed with his time that means he cannot do research he finds it very difficult to keep up with what is going on
In the main he is told what to prescribe he does not even have the time often to look at research.

At this minute 2004 approx 5000 Beds are being taken up by people who have had reactions to drugs.

Some will die others will be maimed .That is fact

So Mrs Jones by and large you will probably only get recommended treatments where there is profit in them for someone.
Have you heard your local doctor recommend,
Massage,
Spiritual healing,
Knieisiology
Herbs,
Light therapy,
Colour therapy,
Regression therapy,
Osteopathy,
Zappers,
Magnetic devices,
Electrical Frequency devices
.karma therapy,
Decent nutrition,
Beck devices,
Colonics, enemas,
Detoxing,
The violet ray,
The wet cel
The radial appliance ,

Has he ever mentioned nutrition what you eat how much protein carbo vitamins etc .

All of these have shown their inherent worth with thousands if not millions of testimonials.

As you can see this system in its present state is inherently flawed which is why you are getting recommended what you are

that is until the day comes when most of the research and testing is done by an agency with no vested interests attached and a clear agenda of being objective.

Acting for the people s health interest..

There is clear evidence that some of these drug companies will even go much further than just dismiss this proposed treatment especially if it is going to affect their profits.

Imagine this 10 000 patients on some drug costing say 500-1000 pounds each per year
Average time to get well 20 yrs –income in that time –go on work it out

Then an invention come s along and hey presto we can get them well in just 6 weeks at a cost of 200 quid

Do you think they will just sit around and go err – what planet are you on jack?

Ever heard of a brilliant doctor with the name of Raymond rife the gifted scientist and winner of 14 government awards including scientist of the year award twice.
Rife discovered that some major diseases could be eliminated with frequencies based on that diseases individual electromagnetic signature. He uses the same effect, which causes a glass to shatter by the use of some peoples voices.

These distinguished medical doctors who originally confirmed part or this entire discovery included:
E.C

Q: How can I take medication for bipolar disorder if my parents won’t allow me?
I am nineteen and am on their health insurance and everything. I was diagnosed a couple months ago, and they “won’t allow” me to be crazy. What can I do?
My parents are Southern traditionalist. They don’t accept mental health very well. They have the “just be happy” mentality; instead, I get yelled at if I can’t get out of bed for days or whatever.

A: As an adult you do not need their permission for treatment or to take meds. Get a copy of your medical card for your insurance, go back to the doctor who diagnosed you, get a prescription and go fill it….. your parents need never know as long as you pay your copays at the time of service so they don’t get a bill.

Q: Are there grants for college students with major depression with psychotic features?
I am in college and I have absolutely no money. I don’t have a job even though I’ve been applying to jobs for 2 years now. My parents are seriously in debt and they can not help with my tuition. I am very desperate to find money to pay for college. I have been clinically diagnosed with Major depression with psychotic features and I was wondering if there are any grants or scholarships for this. Also if there are grants for people who have no money not including the FAFSA. I’ve already filled that out but it still isn’t enough. Please help! I am freaking out. If I can’t find money then I will have to drop out.

A: There might be scholarships for your situation. The best place to look for them is through the social services departments in your area. They aren’t usually posted online (for security reasons). Start by calling state and local mental health agencies and ask the financial aid office at your school if they know of any.

Q: how long does major depression with psychotic features last?
im only 16 years old and
it only started one month ago.
ive been doing acupuncture and moxibustion for a feww weeks now. i feel a little bit better. and have been taking anti anxiety pills not depressants.

so how long will it last?
im also drinking ginger tea and camomile to calm my anxiety and relieveing depression.
no voices in my head and barely any hallucinations just delusions now.

A: I think if you can work on reducing the amount of inner stress you are feeling, this will help you feel better. One time I had depression with psychotic features for one month in the hospital. I realized that I had to pull myself back into reality and not let myself get lost in the thoughts inside my head. I kept bringing my focus to what was going on around me instead of letting myself get caught in my inner world that existed in my head. Gradually I felt better. I also had/have therapy and was/am taking medications. I hope you will be feeling better soon. Good Luck.

Q: How long are folk with Major Depression with psychotic features put on antipsychotics normally?
a year or so?
i’m talking about antipsychotics, not antidepressants as the psychosis is only present with the depressive symptoms

A: Many are on medications the rest of their lives.

Q: Is it common to experience psychotic features with an episode of major depression?

A: It is normal. Get a copy of the DSM-IV revised text. There are also good articles online. This happens to a lot of people with Major Depression.

Q: What medications are normally prescribed for depression with psychotic features?
My boyfriend recently spent a week in a psyche ward with the diagnosis of major depression with psychotic features. While he was a patient there they started him on lexapro, haldol, cogentin, and seroquil. One or more of the medications were prescribed to treat side effects of the other medications. Today his psychiatrist prescribed xanax, abilify, and trazodine in addition to lexapro, haldol, and cogentin and took him off seroquil. So he will be taking 5 medications daily, and the haldol as needed (in order to treat the side effects).

Is this normally the medications prescribed for people with my boyfriend’s diagnosis? And what are the possible side effects and the likelihood of him developing them?

A: When my depression was severe with psychotic features I was prescribed an antidepressant, an antipsychotic and something for anxiety as needed. It seems like your boyfriend is taking quite a bit of medication. I hope he will be doing better. Best Wishes to the both of you.

Q: Is there a certain amout of time that a patient has to meet the diagnostic criteria for Major Depression?
Disorder before the person has psychotic features to have the diagnosis of Major Depression Disorder with psychotic features? Can they have a less severe kind of depression before psychotic feature develop, instead of Major Depression Disorder?

A: I don’t think it’s time, necessarily, but a pattern of behaviors that determine depression. Also genetic history is helpful and can expedite a depression diagnosis.

Look for patterns of restlessness, insomnia, narcolepsy, weight loss or gain, sucicidal tendencies etc.

In the case of Psychotic depression patterns of paranoia, mania, hallucinations etc. are some determining factors.

Q: In psychotic disorders, does the psychosis generally cause the delusions, or are they separate?
For instance, could a person believe that his boss was trying to kill him, would that be a result of hallucinations or something else? If a person has Major Depression with Psychotic Features, are their delusions mainlly a result of low- self worth/ feeling overly guilty about things, or is it usually because of the psychosis?

A: A person fearing someone were out to hurt them would fall under paranoia. Hallucinations include things that are heard or seen or felt such as bugs or voices. Delusions are exaggerations of real life instances such as someone believing that they are best friends with a famous person when in reality they are just a big fan. Or them believing that they will make millions writing a song. They may write, but it is probably unlikely they will become a millionare. I would say that delusions and hallucinations are a result of psychosis. The feelings that you mentioned are signs of depression, but are not necessarily delusions and definitely not hallucinations.

Q: Can psychotic depression get better by itself?
I’m a 23-year-old male who has recently been diagnosed with major depression with psychotic features. I was prescribed lexapro and geodon but refused to take them because I heard somewhere that antipsychotics are bad for your heart and lungs and I’m afraid to take them. I also didn’t want to take the anti-depressants because I already tried so many of those with no success whatsoever. Going back to the psychiatrist would be pointless because I’m refusing her medications.
One last thing is that I have a long history of depression but the psychotic features are new to me and I don’t understand how or why I have them now.

Does anybody here have experience with this illness? Can it get better on it’s own? What should I do?

I know I asked this question last night but I didn’t get very many responses. Thanks

A: Generally no, if anything your symptoms appear to be progressing. You are better off fixing the problem with medication and counseling. You don’t have to take the medication forever. Take it for a year and get better. Also, bring up these concerns with a pharmacist. Take your prescription to a pharmacy and ask for a consultation with the pharmacist and say, “Look I don’t want to get this filled because I am afraid it will damage my heart and lungs.” He will either tell you that your concerns are valid, or they are not worth worrying about. You need to take responsibility for fixing your problem. Right now you are running away from it and it’s only getting worse, isn’t it?

Q: Can psychotic depression go away by itself?
I’m a 23-year-old male who has recently been diagnosed with major depression with psychotic features. I was proscribed lexapro and geodon but refused to take them because I heard somewhere that antipsychotics are bad for your heart and lungs and I’m afraid to take them. I also didn’t want to take the anti-depressants because I already tried so many of those with no success whatsoever. Going back to the psychiatrist would be pointless because I’m refusing her medications.

Does anybody here have experience with this illness? Can it get better on it’s own? What should I do?

A: I asked a doctor if my brain or any brain can heal itself. Of course he said. And 44 years ago, I remember finding myself in a new strange place, determined to find my way to home or somewhere comfortable again. I am looking but cannot. I like it here now and would never go back. What is being sick mentally? As long as you don’t hurt anyone, and know how to talk. You get used to life especially struggling with others who are struggling and a house and food requires this. Those drugs can delay this for many. read how they work with neurons its sort of an antibiotic to make sure your response mechanism’s are good. Always, it gets better. Do you recognize people you know? Or your dog’s name? Everyone is in their own world. but not harmful. Mostly.
I never ever expected to live outside as my father and his both went down young from this.

Q: Differential Diagnosis:What is the correct diagnosis for this patient? Major Depression vs. Schizophrenia?
I am doing psychology homework and need help figuring out the answer to this question. Can a mood congruent delusion cause a symptom of MDD w/psychotic features? If a person has a delusion that is congruent with MDD which causes him to have a symptom of Major Depression, would that be counted toward a diagnosis of Major Depression with Psychotic Features or would it only be psychosis? For instance if a person had innapropriate guilt because he is delusional in thinking that he was hurting everyone around him just by spending time with them, does that count toward a diagnosis of MDD? The inappropriate guilt didn’t start until after the psychotic features started, and was a direct result of them. Thank you!

A: Sounds more like Schizophrenia to me, but I’m not the one who has a Psychology textbook.

Q: Am I slipping back into major depression?
I was placed in a children’s residential treatment facility at the age of seventeen, where I stayed for seven months. I was placed here for several serious suicide attempts and self-harming behaivores. I was suffering for major depression, single episode without psychotic features, anxiety (or hyperarousal), and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). During my stay at this facility I was able to get the support and help I needed to get better and I was released to go home three days ago.

Now that I’m home I don’t know what to do with my time. I am getting triggored by being back in this familiar environment because it reminds me of my past behaivors. I need to move out, but I don’t have any options right now. I have a lot of impulses to do something stupid just so I can get myself out of the situation and locked up again.

The problem is that I can’t go back to the same facility because I am now eighteen and legally an adult. I know that adult facilities are not nearly as helpful and suportive and I’m scared it would only make me worse.

Any advice for what I should do?

A: I have depression too. The bad news is that Depression is likely something you will be dealing with the rest of your life. The good news is that there are ways to deal with it.

I’ve had depression for about 15 years. As victims of depression, we will always have good days and bad days. (Just like people who do not deal with depression). But our bad days affect us differently than most people.

First, make sure you are on the right medication. This can make a huge difference. I had to try several different ones before I hit on the one that worked for me.

Second, find a good therapist. Make sure you are comfortable with them and that you trust them. Again, you may have to check out several before you find the one you click with. Friends are great to talk to, but sometimes confiding in a stranger is better. You don’t have that emotional connection with a stranger and you don’t feel they are judging you. (My personal belief is that every human being should be assigned a therapist when they are born : )

Third, and this is the hard one. Get involved in something outside of the house. It seems like being at home triggers your depression. If you are just starting on your medication or therapy and you need a new environment, see if you can move in with a relative until your medication kicks in. (It takes about 4 to 6 weeks). If that is not possible, stay busy outside of the house. It doesn’t matter what it is. Try to get a job. Join a club. Go to church. Take a class. Again, this is not easy. Depression makes you want to curl up in a ball and pull the blankets over your head. Make yourself get out. Exercise is a great help for depression. The endorphin release makes you feel better. I’m in the martial arts. Great way to release frustration, feel in control and force myself to be around people.

My life is much better than it was 15 years ago when I first developed my depression. I no longer have to see a therapist, but I am still on my medication. (I probably will be the rest of my life). But people who are diabetic will be on medication the rest of their life too. You have to take action to get your life back in order. No one can do it for you and it won’t happen by itself. Taking action also makes you feel more in control and that can help your depression. If at anytime you feel you are going to hurt yourself again, call your therapist, your doctor, your priest, go to a hospital. Reach out to someone for help.
From experience, I can assure you that if you take the medication, reach out for help when you need it and stay active, your life with depression will greatly improve.

Good Luck.

Q: What is cognitive impairment in mental illness?
I have been reading up on my previous diagnoses of major depression with psychotic features, and one of the symptoms is cognitive impairment. What exactly is this? Could this be the reason why my memory has become so bad over the past few years?

A: Cognitive impairment means you have trouble with thinking, concentrating, formulating memories and reasoning. It happens later in life as opposed to a learning disability which is earlier.

Q: How can you convince someone that you’re not psychotic if they put that label on you, & you KNOW you’re not?
How can you convince a psychiatrist or therapist that the abuse you go through is NOT overexaggerated & all in your head/imagined?

Mental health professionals get the idea that I think people are out to get me because of me being abused, mistreated, & hated. My family is VERY unusual & dysfunctional, & they ALL hate me & tell other people to stay away from me. They would threaten me out of my money & beat me up, & when I call the cops, the cops don’t believe me, & they threaten to have ME arrested.

On the other hand, people say I’m naive, gullible, easy target, & vulnerable, & that I put myself in the position to deserve to be abused. So, if that’s the case, wouldn’t you put your guards up to protect yourself if someone is trying to take advantage of you?

This past week, there was a psychiatric nurse who told my insurance company (Medicare) that my Luvox is used for depression with psychotic features. I tried to tell her, “NO! It’s for my OCD.” & she brick walled me with the “talk to the hand” signal. I’ve had problems with this woman before, & I heard that lots of people are traumatized by her.

She BETTER be lying because I TRUSTED my psychiatrist for the 2 yrs. that I’ve known her. Why would the psychiatrist write down “major depression with PSYCHOTIC FEATURES” without telling me?

I suffer OCD, anxiety, Tourette’s & depression, but NO psychosis. I KNOW I AM in touch with reality. She probably gets my anxiety mixed up with paranoia, which my family does. By me being preoccupied or worried about something, that’s an anxiety symptom. I don’t know why they want to mistake anxiety for paranoia or delusions.

I also hear how Bipolar is overused, & doctors are even considering people with depression or UNIpolar, as Bipolar & psychotic. I’ve heard of many cases where people have been wrongfully diagnosed with illnesses, ESPECIALLY MENTAL illness. It’s like, the Dr. throws a certain diagnosis on you & put you on certain meds, based on THEIR opinion of what you have.

I had another Dr. who kept hiding my diagnosis away from me, & come to find out, he gave me a false diagnosis of Bipolar because he was ignorant of Tourette’s, & he mistook my Tourette’s outbursts for MANIA.

I’m having mixed thoughts because I don’t know if that nurse was lying to the insurance company or not. She just wanted to be evil & try to trigger me off to have an outburst so she can get her kicks out of it. My family does that, too.

If I’m considered the scapegoat of my family & outcast of society, & people are very hateful & rude to me & do me dirty, I’m speaking the truth. That DOES happen. If society treats me a certain way (have negative reactions by me being their presence), they figure that I’m fresh meat to take advantage of. I’m 25 with a college degree. People consider me childish because they don’t understand Tourette’s, anxiety, OCD, or depression. So they think I’m weird & treat me like I have a plague. & people always throw in my face, “& you wonder why everyone hates your crazy @$$!”

That’s why I just stay to myself & hardly talk to anyone. I can’t talk to someone without my feelings getting hurt. & YES, people DO treat me like a child & try to control & destroy my life, & they single me out of social events. EX: My father is elderly & he’s dying. If he dies, the family wouldn’t want me @ his funeral.

I’ve been obsessing & worrying a lot, telling myself, “That nurse BETTER be lying!” Because the Dr. never discussed that with me. Why hide a patient’s diagnosis from him/her? & I feel like, if the doctor has something to hide from me, then it’s time for another doctor, right? She has me mainly diagnosed with major depression & anxiety. I don’t see why OCD isn’t on the form I get every visit. & when I walk into her office, 1 of the 1st questions she asks is, “How are your compulsive thoughts?” No. Compulsions are behaviors. NOT thoughts. She should be asking me “How are your OBSESSIVE thoughts?” or “How are your intrusive thoughts”? & the entire session is discussing my OCD, but she doesn’t have that typed on the paper I get. I only see anxiety & depression on my form. I don’t see “psychotic features anywhere”. But she may have written something different on my chart than what she shows me. She’s only been a doctor for 2 yrs.

I’ve been seeing psychiatrists for damn near ALL my life, AND I’ve done plenty of research on my disorders & my medication. So, I KNOW what I’m talking about. What are your thoughts on this? Could the nurse be evil & lying, just to make me angry, or could the Dr. be hiding something from me? If the Dr. IS hiding something, then I need another Dr., right?

A: I also have OCD, and i have a bit of an opposite problem see its me thinking or worrying that im psychotic and the doctors assuring me im not. I alsways obsess over illness both physical and mental that i dont have. Unfortunalty some people in the world still believe that someone with depression or an anxiety disorder cant or doesnt know whats going on. Those people are cruel and ignorant. having a mental illness doesnt make us stupid. Thats all part of the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental illness. if you are seeing hallucinations(not just having thoughts of it) then i would say to listen to that nurse a bit. but from what you’ve said you seem to know what psychosis is and able to tell the difference. And yeah abuse from your past can and does make you more paranoid and anxious about things later on in life, but thats not unusual at all so they shouldnt blame all those problems just on your past, especially if your still in contact with people that hurt you.

Doctors shouldn’t hide a diagnoses from you. i always ask mine to explain everything to me. having ocd and intrusive thoughts may be confused as depression with psychotic features, to someone who doesnt know what they’re talking about. anyone who has done a little research on it would be able to tell the difference, and that its OCD and not psychoticness. A couple of my disorders arent typed on my paper either, though i think thats cause my doc hasnt updated it in a while. Dont let these people get you down, if you’re still in touch with reality and can tell the difference than your not psychotic, despite intrusive and disturbing thoughts(cause thats a whole other thing) Good luck with everything!

Q: What warrants a diagnosis of schizophrenia?
besides the Psychotic symptoms?

I mean like , how can you differentiate between something like major depression with psychotic features or bipolar, dissociative identity disorder or borderline personality etc. when the symptoms shown by the person are practically the same?

What makes them different from schizophrenia?

Just wondering..

A: The DSM IVtr is really the gold standard as to how to differentiate between these. The differences can be quite subtle to the untrained eye. Each disorder has a list of criteria that must be met, so bipolar has different criteria from DID etc.

HOWEVER, in practice, much of a diagnosis comes purely from the clinician. They’ve actually done studies that show that given identical case studies, except in one the subject is female and the other male, the client gets entirely different diagnoses. the same has been done for skin color (one group is told the client is white, the other black) Further, studies have shown that previous diagnoses also influence the clinician- with two groups given identical case studies, but where on group is told that the client is interesting because he appears neurotic, but is actually quite psychotic, the group that is told he is psychotic gives a diagnosis of psychosis more times than not.

There is no real “science” behind mental health labels. They cannot be biologically diagnosed and are so far simply labels given to clusters of symptoms. As mental illness is often a sign of emotional distress, and all people react differently to stress, there is really no way to actually know what disorder,r if any a person has.

For instance-
Say person A has a cough and a fever according to the DSM, this “Cough and fever Disorder”

Person B has a runny nose and a fever- this is “runny nose and fever disease”

Person C has a Fever and muscle aches this is “Fever and Aches Disorder”

Modern medicine knows that all of these patients may have the exact same disease- the flu! It simply causes different symptoms in different people. Like wise, two people with a cough and a fever may have DIFFERENT diseases- one might have the flu, and another pneumonia.

The DSM merely lists symptoms. There are no know biological causes or tests we can do to find the root cause of a persons behavior. As a list of symptoms it is useful, but as a way of labeling and really understanding the underlying cause of a persons disorder, it is far from scientific. -Neb

Q: If major depression can develop psychosis, could grief that is similar to major depression develop psycosis?
What if the problem that caused the grief lasted for several years and the psychosis lasted longer than one year? Could grief produce schizophrenia? If mdd can have psychotic features and is not diagnosed as schizophrenia, then why should grief with psychotic features be labeled schizophrenia?

A: I think that major depression with psychosis is not labeled as schizophrenia because it is already considered its own disorder. the underlying cause of mdd is usually a severe imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, whereas grief is triggered by an event.

Although grief also triggers those same neurotransmitters, its not considered a disorder, so a person experiencing grief and psychosis would mainly just be treated for their psychosis which could lead to them being diagnosed for schizophrenia.

Hope this helps.

Q: Major depression- ?
I’ve been diagonsed with major depression but I have no reason to be depressed!? I have an ideal life, friends, money, ect. No tragic events have occured.

But for about 2 years now happiness has been a rare and fleeting feeling. I feel empty, alone, tired, truly miserable, that life itself is pointless. . Is it my brain chemistry to blame? I feel like the worst things have happened to me but they haven’t.

I know people who are severely depressed who actually have a good reason to be, but I don’t and that makes me feel guilty and selfish.
I’m just starting going to a psychologist, he doesn’t help much. I leave feeling empty and hopeless. He suggested I take an anti-depressant but I’m worried about the side-effects.

A: You shouldn’t feel guilty about your illness. You shouldn’t measure your pain and suffering to someone elses either. Its a pointless argument that just leaves you bitter and frustrated. Everyone has problems, even people surrounded by friends and family all day long can feel completely alone. Your problems are important because they are YOURS and you should never let the fact that you have problems make you feel like a bad person. I doesn’t matter if your depressed because of genetics, death in the family, or the loss of a job. It’s just what you are… And now that you at least know what it is you should work on getting better. Hope this helps

Q: major depression?
my doctors have told me awhile ago that i have major depression.. well ive been getting upset over little things lately, really bad. ive cut myself. little things tick me off now. im telling myself no one loves me and that i need to die. becuase i think everyone will be happier without me in their lives. no one knows how serious i am about all this. i find myself faking smiles,laughs etc. it feels like when i look into the mirror.. i feel like the person in the mirror is the real me, and im just the reflection. i dont know what to do. i feel like im failing more and more each day… please help..

A: I had the same problem and sometimes still do. Here are some helpful suggestions I found useful:
1. Take a deep breath whenever you feel like giving up. Just breathe. Close your eyes. Forget everything that seems to be going wrong. It will help relax you.
2. See a counselor. If you can’t afford one, talk to a good friend regularly. Someone you can trust with things.
3. Don’t be afraid to cry. Cry as much as you need. It will definitely help ease some of the pain.
4. About the cutting: wear a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you feel like doing that. Snap it hard so it hurts but not too hard.
5. If you think about , make a list of friends and family who would miss you. Think how you would feel if you lost one of them.
6. Take your meds!!!! (If you have them)

Anyways, don’t give up. Hang in there! Much Love and Luck!!!

Q: Major Depression?
I’m pretty certain I have major depression, but I don’t what to do. I’m scared of the idea of therapy and I’m totally against meds. Plus, my mom is one of those people who hates Western Medicine. What the hell do I do?
I don’t have a whole lot of money for this kinda stuff.

A: There are things that can help improve your mood, but in the end, therapy and sometimes medication can be quite useful. Even if you don’t go this option, consider making an appointment with a therapist to at least evaluate your options. Even if you don’t partake in therapy, they may be able to offer suggestions that the average person wouldn’t know of.

That said, here are some ideas from a layman. Try to keep yourself active. Major depression tends to cause somebody to just shut down. Usually people sleep more and leave the house much less often.

Try to get out and maybe go for a walk in the park in the evening. You don’t necessarily have to do this alone. Calling a friend or asking your family to help can be useful. But just a bit of exercise can do wonders for your mood.

This is one reason that I’ve heard people criticize Western Medicine. Treating people by focusing on the chemistry of the brain and not offering help with lifestyle changes that can help is too one sided.

But that doesn’t mean that it’s useless.

Also, remember that you may not be perfect in giving a diagnosis. You may be depressed, but it’s also possible for you to have other conditions as well. A doctor could help tell you if you have bipolar disorder for example.

Good luck!!!

I wish you the best.

Q: How can a person with major depression be treated?
How can a person diagosed as having major depression be treated with symptoms like severe fatigue and over sleepiness?
Please help with serious answers only. If you have any professional advice or know someone who got treated with such symptoms, it be highly appreciated.

A: hi!

- the person affected needs a good listener. please listen to him/her for few days , you will realise the problem yourself

- the treatment needs both ways. by therapy as well as by motivation.
you can have prescribed medicines ( it has to be from a qualified doctor since all of these drugs do have side effects) for reasonable period of time. the medications coupled with exercise, active participation of other family members will cure this.

believe me, most of us have this issue and do not have the courage to ask for help.
goodluck to you

Q: How many people are cured from major depression?
I know someone who has been suffering from major depression for many years and is continually trying different treatment options, but nothing seems to work? Is there even a cure at all?
Does anyone have any kind of statistics?

A: A person who suffers from clinical depression will never be cured, their symptoms can be controlled to the point where it will no longer bother the person but they will never fully recover from it. Medication is the best way to go with clinical depression, there are many medications out there for people with depression and each one will work differently for each person. So no, there is no (CURE), but you can manage and control the symptoms so you can live a happy, and health life.

Depression effects 19 million Americans in one year period, It affects so many people it is reffered to as the common cold of mental illness. 90 percent of people who seek treatment will feel better in a time period of 4 to 6 weeks, the other 10 percent can take up to 2 years to treat without any signs of their symptoms subsiding, but 98 percent of people diagnosed with severe depression do feel better at the end of a two year treatment, (meds and therepy).

Q: What are some home/herbal remedies for major depression?
i’ve been diagnosed as having major depression, and the drs. were unsure if I am bipolar. i have tried several medications and have had awful side effects,from hallucinations to becoming a complete insomniac. i therefore do not wish to try any more medications. i am severely depressed, for an extensive period(around 8 months) and have put on a substantial amount of weight, socially isolated myself for the most part and generally just don’t care. i am looking for any home or herbal remedies. thank you.

A: There is some evidence to suggest that Bipolar individuals do not assimilate the B vitamins properly so some doctors recommend injectable mega doses of B complex for them. This is a anti-stress vitamin complex anyway.

Also, highly recommended is a combination of Fish oil caps and Evening Primrose oil. St. John’s Wort is a mild anti-depressant but should not be taken in conjunction with other anti-depressants as this could overdose your seritonin levels.

Aerobic exercise is also proven to release good chemicals in the brain.

If you are Bipolar, it is important for you and/or loved ones to keep track of your phases so that you can discontinue any anti-depressants when you shift to normal phase. If you don’t they can possibly trigger a major manic episode. This is dangerous.

Q: What do i do when i have major depression, and nobody cares?
I have major depression, ADD, OCD, and bipolar disorder, and on top of that, a drug abbuse problem.

They are all piling on top of my depression.
i no longer feel like a person, just a used, overworked, unloved, unhelped, unuseful being.
Im only 14.

Im so deep into depression, my counceler quit on my and, i ahve nobody to talk to. Why is my life this way? i just want to die.

A: I am guessing she quit on you because you refused to help yourself. That has to change. You are reaching out here so you there is still hope for you. Find another counselor or better yet, find a spiritual person that can talk to you.

Q: what is the best treatment for major depression?
i have major depression the pills do not work. what is the best treatment for the major depression?

A: Have you tried cognitive-behavioural-therapy…ask your local GP about it (CBT) and ask to do stress-inoculation therapy….this virtually channges negative thoughts (maladaptive) to postive thoughts (adaptive)….

Very useful therapy, i do recomend you seek to do it!
Hope tha helped, all the best!

Q: What causes recurring major depression?
I have been having depressive episodes between about every few weeks and every few months for five years, but i don’t think I have ever been manic or hypomanic. Is there a disorder where you get have recurring major depression but is not bipolar disorder? And what would cause something like this?

A: It’s called recurrent depression. It can be a number of causes. Past experience that causes you to be insecure, stress, trauma, constant anxiety about one particular thing, etc. Early treatment is needed, and you need to be strong for a while. Going to therapy is a big help, and you will be surprised at the results, if you are willing to heal.

Best of luck.

Q: Does anyone else have major depression with psychotic features?
I have major depression with psychotic features, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. I started to become depressed with i was around 12 and it has just gotten worse. I began having psychotic features when i was 16 and they continue to get more severe and more frequent. Does anyone else have major depression with psychotic features? Why kind of psychotic features do you have? How long do they last? What are they of?

A: I just have depression ~are you in therapy? have you had classes as to how to channel out some of the psychosis♦

Q: Is major depression a symptom or can it be a symptom of bipolar disorder?
i know some of my friends have clinical depression and it sometimes developes in to major depression. i dont know but it seems to me that many people affected by clinical depression, this depression comes to a climax, you can fall very low to becoming disablied to the point of being a human vegetable. does this happen with bipolar disorder

A: Major depressive episodes can be part of unipolar Major Depressive Disorder or Bipolar Disorder. In both disorders the depression can become quite severe. Both unipolar and bipolar depressions have varying degrees of severity. Many are mild but some become so severe that they can include psychotic or catatonic features or can otherwise be severely incapacitating.

Q: How many people on Y/A right now have a physical disability and major depression?
Do you think your physical disability, please state what yours is, caused your depression, if so how.

For example I was teased, bullied and had a hard time in school because I have cerebral palsy. I feel this is a major contributing factor to my depression.

I am just curious.

A: I have several disabilities, some of which are physical. I’m not depressed now, but I used to be depressed for years. I think many factors contributed to me becoming depressed, but I believe that the main factors were all connected to my disabilities. My disabilities went undiagnosed and untreated until adulthood, which made some of them a lot worse than they had to be and when they were finally diagnosed there was little that could be done to treat them. Whenever I tried to seek help I was met with disbelief or denial and pretty much told it was all in my head or that things would just get better by themselves with time. I was bullied in school for being different because of my disabilities. I was abused and neglected at home. I was made fun of or teased by random strangers (mostly kids and teenagers) in public. I had almost no friends or family members who I could trust and who would support me and help me through all this. All this caused me to be under a lot of stress for a long time and I became depressed.

I wouldn’t say that my disabilities caused my depression, but rather people’s ignorance and prejudice about disabilities.

Q: I want to know if there is an actual retreat center that treats major depression?
I live in the NW of the US, and am hoping that there might be a retreat center in North America that provides a welcoming, non judgmental, and effective treatment for major depression. I am looking for people to chat with as well, who have overcome clinical depression. Thanks for responding.

A: I think you should search for some literature/books on google.

Q: What is the difference between “major depression” and any other type?
My therapist says that is what I have because I attempted suicide once….What is considered major? Isn’t depression, depression?

A: major depression means anyone with depression who attempted to take their own life (suicide) or thinking seriously or planning to do it (they form a threat to themselves and need urgent treatment and hospitalization)

Q: Can major depression be mistaking for psychopathic disorder?
My brother is a text book psychopath, so I am predisposed to write-off anti-social behavior as psychopathy. My father has exhibited the tall tale signs a of psychhopthic disorder for 17 years (the previous 16 years he was relativley normal behaving). He claims to have major depression, but I don’t beleive him.

A: I don’t believe him either. Your father isn’t a psychologist, is he?

Q: I don’t know if im bipolar or something else is wrong?
I am currently waiting to be diagnosed for Bipolar disorder, but after reading up on the internet im not so sure. My symptoms are depressive episodes lasting either couple of hours up to a few days or hypermania. These two symptoms are constant through the day and i could switch moods upto 8 times a day! But reading on the internet if your bipolar your mood changes can last for months. So could i be bipolar or is there something else the matter?

A: Most likely you will be treated for bipolar with mood stabilizers, which will most likely help given the mood swings you indicate. Sadly, there are many side effects with those medications, but most people feel that the relief is worth the other discomforts.

There are alternatives to prescription medications, but they too can have side effects. A study in Japan is finding that naturally occurring lithium seems to reduce depression (as measured by the suicide rate.) City and processed water usually have no lithium content, but there are lithium supplements (in the form of lithium aspertate) which you can take. Do not take more than recommended, as lithium can adversely affect your liver, thyroid, and kidneys — but realize that the supplements are not nearly as strong as prescribed dosages and are relatively safe. Lithium also has a mood stabilizing effect and may be just what you need to get your mood swings under control.

Q: bipolar – Feeling of hypermania or mania?
I am new to this and I wanted to know from other Bipolar’s what it fels like to go high etc and what they do? I need to compare notes with people.
I dont need a random list of symptoms copied and pasted from any website. I want real answers.

A: hypermania. a feeling like being tigger and daffy took, always bouncy and doing extremely dangerous stunts.
depression, can’t eat,sleep, see people. blackness surrounds you. it’s cold and dark

Q: Hypomania:::is it only in relation to ups and lots of energy?
is this condition also possible with people who are at a ‘normal’ level of energy, then bouts of big depression? as opposed to ‘hyper’ feelings. or i’ll read about hypermania people who are very productive at times to some extremes. i tend not to be productive as a whole. i’ve been told by my psychiatrist i am bipolar II/hypomania. i at least have symptoms. or i’ll read how bipolar/hypomania people can sometimes be super successful. this doesnt seem to relate to me at all. pls explain more ab this condition. thanks.

A: Hi:

I can’t say it any better than CYP has, but I would liketo add a little.

Here are some sites that I think will have ome of the information on Hypomania that you need:

http://www.searchingwithin.com/bipolar/notes/hypo.html

http://www.bipolargrandrounds.com/tests/suppes1.html

http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/cyclothymic-disorder?utm_medium=ask&utm_source=smart&utm_campaign=article_toc&utm_term=Cyclothymic+disorder+risk+factor&ask_return=Cyclothymic+disorder#causesincidenceandriskfactors

http://add.about.com/od/addadhdglossary/g/glhypomania.htm

I do hope that these will add to your information search results.

Contact me if there is anything I can help with. My contact info is in my profile use it any time, that is why it is there.

Be safe and be well.

Q: What is Mania (Definition)?
What is Mania? What are the symptoms? What are the advantages/disadvantages? What are the disabling effects?

Also, what is the different between hypomania, mania and hypermania?

Citations are not required, but greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for answering

A: Direct from the sources:

Mania: An abnormally elevated mood state characterized by such symptoms as inappropriate elation, increased irritability, severe insomnia, grandiose notions, increased speed and/or volume of speech, disconnected and racing thoughts, increased sexual desire, markedly increased energy and activity level, poor judgment, and inappropriate social behavior.

Hypomania: Hypomania: A condition similar to mania but less severe. The symptoms are similar with elevated mood, increased activity, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, racing thoughts, and the like. However, hypomanic episodes differ in that they do not cause significant distress or impair one’s work, family, or social life in an obvious way while manic episodes do. Hypomanic people tend to be unusually cheerful, have more than ample energy, and need little sleep. Hypomania is a pleasurable state. It may confer a heightened sense of creativity and power. However, hypomania can subtly impair a person’s judgment. Too much confidence can conceal the consequences of decisions.

Hypermania: SEVERE level of mania (could not find a direct source, but in essence this is what it is)

People in manic episodes see advantage in the way of seemingly feeling higher levels of energy, confidence, euphoria, brilliant/purposeful thought processes (even if others find them strange), and goal driven. Disadvantages is that manic episodes can wreak havoc with finances (excessive spending), create legal problems (fights, confrontations, etc), destroy marriages/relationships, lead to employment loss, or even death

Q: Bipolar question – people with bipolar help please?
Hi

I have Bipolar II only diagnosed in July 08. I am still confused as to when i am high….i dont get it and i i guss cos all this has felt normal for soo many years i am finding it hard to work out whats what.
i am currently switching meds as i wasnt really taking my lithium properly due to throwing up. so my doc has told me to stop taking it and restart the lamotrigine which i am on 25mg.
Can anyone ell me of how they experience Hypermania and/or tell me any place I can read about peoples personal exp with it?

I dont need wikipedia or to know what the symptoms are. I know what the symptoms are. I am trying to understand more in depth then that.

TY x

A: I’ve got BP2 as well and can understand what you mean when you say it is difficult to assess when you are hypomanic. This is because to the person experiencing hypomania, things often feel far from problematic and so it is not recognized as such. For many people, hypomania actually does not pose a problem as it can be very manageable without the intensity and excesses of full blown mania. In fact, I would argue that being hypomanic is the most positive state I have ever been in as it essentially takes my normal base state and tweaks all of the parameters up a few notches into the positive all while keeping me fairly lucid and in control. Here’s a breakdown of what I experience as symptoms:

1) General pervasive feeling of well-being that shoots into temporary mild/medium euphoria when triggered by some positive experiences.

2) A sense that everything is going to be ok; a general confidence about life

3) A feeling that I am at my peak in everything.

4) Increased social abilities, Being able to interact with all kinds of people while always seeming to say and do all the right things, no shyness, no reservations.

5) Heightened appreciation for EVERYTHING. Music sounds so much better, the air outside seems more refreshing, the taste of food seems so much more satisfying…

6) Increased creativity. Ideas come more fluidly, musical ideas abound…

7) Incredible drive and motivation. Productivity shoots through the roof, which generally helps fuel a feeling of satisfaction that keeps me in a hypomanic state.

Sharp emotional acuity and empathy for others.

These are the main ones for me, but they will obviously vary enormously from person to person. In any case, before I was diagnosed, I was sure that I had unipolar depression because I had never perceived my ‘high’ states as a problem and did not factor them into the equation. In a way, they are a blessing that have allowed me to experience life in a way I think few people can experience while I am going through them. They come at an extremely high price though, because the depressive episodes I experience are unbelievable horrendous, tortuous and cruel. I really have no trouble understanding how people end up committing suicide in such periods…

I am currently on Lamotrigine 150mg and so far so good, but I can’t really how effective it is until many more months have passed. In any case, good luck to you and remember to never increase your dosage without talking to your doctor because it has to be done very gradually to avoid complications. All the best

Q: What is Mania (Definition)?
What is Mania? What are the symptoms? What are the advantages/disadvantages? What are the disabling effects?

Also, what is the different between hypomania, mania and hypermania?

Citations are not required, but greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for answering
Is the rate of having Bipolar disorder with Mania 100%, or are there exceptions?

A: Mania is characterised by having some of a number of symptoms -
a) Restlessness/irratibility
b) Feeling productive and creative
c) Rapid speech
d) Decreased need for sleep
e) Impulsive spending or sexual activity
f) Euphoria

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania, in which hospitalisation is not required. For mania, it is.

If you have suffered from manic episodes or hypomanic episodes in the past, it means you suffer from BIPOLAR disorder. The manic episodes often alternate with depressive episodes

Please talk to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis

Q: How many forms of mental illness are there besides schizophrenia, bipolar, and depression?

A: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_mental_illnesses

there ya go

Q: Do you think everyone has some form of mental illness?
There’s many forms of mental illness including things like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and depression. Do you think that most if not all people suffer from some form of mental health in their lifetime? Even if only temporary.

A: Many people will suffer from one-time depression in their lives. In the US, I’ve heard the number 20,000,000. As for the personality disorders, a person may have one characteristic of a certain PD, or one from several PDs, but that does not make mental illness.

Depression (one time only) does make a person temporarily mentally ill. But I wouldn’t say “most” if not all people suffer from some form of mental illness during their lifetime. Most mental illnesses are chronic, and a temporary episode would not meet the diagnostic criteria for that mental illness.

Q: Can counseling help you to end mental illness?
A while back I read by another YA poster that counseling can help cure a mentally ill person, by the person acknowledging and working through all of their problems that caused mental illness.
Of course, it seemed to be unrealistic as depression and other forms of mental illness are a biological brain disorder, but lately I’ve been wondering if counseling can ease some of the pain and depression, particularly if there are unresolved issues.
Has anyone had any experience or knowledge of this?

A: I have bipolar disorder and i go to counseling once a month. Therapy doesn’t remove my mental illness it helps me cope with personal problems. Medication on the other hand can control some of the symptoms of a mental disorder. Once a person is diagnosed mentally ill counseling won’t make the illness disappear. Just like a person with diabetes has this malady yet taking insulin won’t make it disappear but will keep it under control. hope this helps

Q: Is organized religion a form of mental illness that should be investigated?
So many people around the world appear to be taking orders from unseen entities & killing people.
What gives? Is this some sort of mental illness?
Please don’t misuse this forum by posting personal information & email addresses to questions. It is solicitation & it could get you in a heap of trouble. It’s also rude to piggyback on another member’s post for purposes of advertising your business & ranting about it.
thank you.

A: lol i think of it more as brain washing and manipulation than a mental illness.
but i like the way you see it thats an interesting perspective.

Q: Why do people think that believing in God is a form of mental illness?
Why do they think that?

All the psychiatrists think that believing in God is some sort of mental illness.

How does believing in the truth, become a bleeping mental illness?

It is because of God, that psychiatrists are walking and breathing air on this planet.

A: Everyone is free to their own opinion. Another person’s opinion does not change who you are unless you make it. Do good at all times. Do not take out your frustration on other persons. Keep communicating with God and all will work well in the end. Most things get worst before they get better. These serve for testing and training. Accept things for what they are and work with it for the betterment of yourself and those around you.

Q: I have questions about mental illness?
I am really trying to understand various forms of mental illness.
Unipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder?
Paranoid schizophrenia?

How do you get these conditions? Are you born with them? If not, is there any way that these conditions can happen to you even if you’re not born with them?

A: unipolar is a consistent mood disorder – like depression all the time or mania.

bi-polar is marked by extreme highs and lows.

schizophrenia is marked by more pronounced psychotic symptoms like hallucinations and delusions.

however, every human being’s moods change, and almost everybody lies to themselves about something. many feel that these disorders are biological in nature due to genetics, or chemical imbalance. however, personality disorders, ptsd, anxiety can all manifest these symptoms to one degree or another. as children we may have employed coping mechanisms that we should have outgrown (the imaginary friend becomes a “hallucination”) but failed to because of some issue.

mental health is not an exact science for the most part. non-biological issues especially seem to fall into a spectrum – meaning that as we grow out of these issues with therapy and help from doctors, we may move from psychotic coping, to personality disorder, to post traumatic stress flashbacks, to anxiety attacks.

Q: History of mental illness associated with patient misdiagnosis? How often does this happen?
I’m doing a research paper and would like to know how common this is.

If you have a history of some form or mental illness (depression, anxiety, OCD, ADD, etc) have you ever been discriminated against during a doctor’s visit? For example: You complain of insomnia, random pain, etc and your doctor attributes your symptoms to your mental illness without doing any additional tests to determine if an unrelated illness is to blame.
Have you had any experience in this area? Do you have any info on this subject? Links would be wonderful!

A: Yes this has happend to me, i’m not sure if this what you need. But I have major depression, PTSD, anxiety, can’t sleep. So I was raped in nov. ( I got looked at and everything) Will I went to my doctor and told her that i was having alot of pain down there. She told be that it was just a side effect from PTSD, my body reacting to it. So I belived her thinking it was all in my head. Will I went to Plan parenthood, to get a IUD. They have to make sure you are clean not infections before they palce it and they where checking me out and the frist thing she said me to me was oh hun, you have a major yest infection and a major baldder infection she said I have had it for awhile and if I would have waited any longer it would have go to my kidenys.

I hope this is kind of what you where looking for. I will try to think of others i know there is more. I’m sorry if this was not helpful.

Q: Homosexuality is no longer considered a form of mental illness by mainstream psychologists and psychiatrists?
Does that mean–”non-mainstream” doctors still consider it as a form of mental illness today, in this modern times? In the first place, homosexuality was considered an illness before.

A: Some people do still believe that homosexuality is a mental illness or a choice. However, studies have found that there are genetic factors influencing homosexuality – especially in males. High incidents of brothers who are homosexuality have been found, showing a genetic linkage or gene. I know some breakpoint studies have been done in terms of genes but offhand I don’t know the findings, except to say homosexuality is not a mental illness and is biological in nature (meaning people do not choose to be homosexual just for the sake of choosing it).

Q: What do you think is causing the rise in mental illness?
From what I have read and seen in my environment, depression is really becoming very common in society. What is your opinion or experience on the growth of mental illness, or do you even agree that mental illness is rising?
Is it all forms of mental illness, or do you believe depression has taken the lead?

Referrence: WHO estimates that by the year 2020 Mental Illness will be the 2nd leading cause of death.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/17345/mental_illness_rising_rates_and_what.html

A: The media is always putting it out there; “are you sad and lonely?”, “do you have trouble sleeping?… it may be depression”. People have been going through these things since the beginning of time and they found a way to deal with it.
Don’t you think women had “post partum” back in the 20’s? Of course they did, but it was called baby blues. They got over it because they had to. Now they have “names” for these normal situations and medication to boot, and everyone thinks, “Oh, I’m depressed. I need medication”. Please.

Q: Is self harming a form of mental illness?
Basically i’ve been self harming a while and i’ve heard it’s a form of mental illness. Is this true? If it is then what kind of illness is it?
If it was just a symptom, then what would be the illness behind it?
Can it stem from sexual abuse?

A: Self-harming is a symptom of underlying feelings, not a mental illness as such.

It could stem from sexual abuse, or maybe from another form of abuse, such as emotional abuse, in the past.

Or it could be a way of releasing tension or bad feelings about something else.

As you are the one doing the self-harming, I think you probably know yourself why you do it and why you started it. I certainly don’t think you are mad or have an illness as such. If you want to stop, and you are unable to stop by yourself, then maybe ask your GP or similar for some help. Up to you.

Q: How would you legally go about suing someone who has taken advantage of someone with a mental illness?
Ok recently I have realized something. An addiction is a form of mental illness. Also it is illegal to take advantage of someone with a mental illness. This being said, is it illegal for pornography companies to take advantage of addicts by charging ridiculous amounts of money? My friend and I were talking about this so any help would be apreciated.

A: talk to someone with the state human resources or dept. of human services.

Q: Do you believe God created herbs to cure all forms of mental illness? Depression, homosexuality, Schizophrenia?
Background: I personally believe He did and I have a friend who is bipolar and I want her to get off the prescription drugs because they have side effects and aren’t natural.
Bipolar, Multiple personalities, etc.? If so, what are some herbs that are good for bipolar?

A: Homosexuality does not need to be “cured.”

If my doctor tried to cure my depression w/ HERBS, I’d call him a fucking moron and leave.

The side effects of these drugs are BY FAR outweighed by the positive effects they have on the people who are able to lead normal lives by taking them.

Medical advances are a GOOD thing. To think otherwise is ignorance.
I hope your friend doesn’t listen to you, for her sake.

Q: Is it true that liberalism is a mental illness?
Psychologists have confirmed more recently that liberalism is a form of mental illness. This would raise the question why we would let anyone with a mental illness leading the country in this dire time.

A: FYI The Onion isn’t real news.

Q: Why is occurance of mental illness in women so prevalent ?
A recent report I read says that 85% of women have some form of mental illness compared to 28% of men.
Take into account that I only read the report in the paper some time ago & I’m not that a great believer in statistics.
I, personally, don’t believe the letter of the questions I ask. I just ask the quesion.

A: Because we have to listen to everyone complain about things that can be changed.
But yet we listen and take on the burden of wanting to help solve the problems that we have no control over.
This is just my oppinion, Women really listen and care when people talk to them about their problems. Men just want to know when the next game is on or when your going to stop talking.

Just one oppinion…..p.s. I might be crazy :]

Q: To be gay is a form of mental illness or not?
To be gay is a form of mental illness or not?
Only 4% of the population is gay. By contrast studies indicate that 30% of men think its ok to have sex with a teenage girl under 18. so we all agree that pedophilia is a mental illness yet being gay, an activity only 1/6 as prevalent as being a child molester is considered normal, Why is that?

A: It is not, I am pretty confident in saying more that 4% of the population is gay, some people just don’t fulfill it or recognize it, it’s a natural thing to be attracted to the same sex at some point or another for most people. But pedophilia, I don’t think it’s a mental illness either, people just have impulses(sometimes sick impulses) that they can’t control, because their brain is just wired that way, those 30% of men are obviously just sick individuals.
It is illegal and I suppose that’s what makes people think that a man who would do that has a mental illness, but most men wouldn’t consider what the law thinks when having sex, obviously.

Q: How to deal with depression? (dysthymia)?
Dysthymia is mild-moderate depression that just lingers. I’ve had it for most of my teenaged life. I’m finding it really hard with university now, because it saps my motivation and concentration. I’m on meds but they don’t seem to help. I tried easing myself off them but that threw me out worse. my Psychiatrist said that meds cant do much for me. So do i have to resign my life to being uncapable half the time? It comes in cycles, especially coinciding with pms. anyone else get the same? or have any ideas what i should do?

A: change Psychiatrists.
find a female psychiatrist that is also an M.D
don’t give up.

gunda

Q: ONLY for those who suffer chronic depression or dysthymia?
Depression is daily, sometimes it is there waiting for me as soon as I open my eyes. All I can do is wait for tomorrow hoping it will be a better day.

Have you found a way to overcome depression once it has set in to the non-functioning stage? Medications don’t work, been there, did that 10 times.

For those with no point of reference please do not suggest exercise, etc. as The Experts suggest. How is a person expected to exercise when just getting out of bed is a monumental task?

I also suffer from SAD, light therapy has no effect and I can feel the days getting shorter already. I hate winter.

—–
Tried therapy and group therapy. It is only since moving to Germany (10 years) that I realized the cause of my depression might be blocked memories from my childhood. Language problems make therapy here impossible. I did find a psych who spoke English well enough but my problems seem to be outside her expertise. Having a psych tell me that she can’t help brought on a whole new reason to be depressed. She made me feel I was unfixable, that still hurts.
—–
I have a 10,000 lux therapy lamp which I used for the recommended half hour immediately upon getting out of bed. Some days I even tried using it for a half-hour in the late afternoon. It didn’t help to any noticeable degree.

When I first learned about SAD (20 years ago) the study said that those who lived below the 40th parallel experienced SAD less than those who liver farther north. I moved from Rhode Island to North Carolina, it helped. But I fell in love with a German and moved to Germany ‘-(

—–

SJW made me aggressive and gave me pimples.

Cod liver oil?! My aunt tried to give me that as a kid, I gagged.
Exactly how does one go about meditating? I’ve tried it and get can’t there. I went to several web sites to learn how to do it. I am too anal, the whole process is utterly beyond my capabilities. I need step-by-step instructions and diagrams. Something more than find your inner being, I don’t have one. Instructions as that are esoteric, they have no meaning to me. I would love to meditate if only someone would tell me exactly how to do it.

—–
Jules: thank you. that is exactly what I do when I am able. I don’t have a dog, I have a very independent cat ‘-) I also tend to be a bit agoraphobic but we have to eat so I know I will have to go out into the world at least once a week. Thankfully the market is only two blocks away. As you say, I wait for the times when I am able.

—–

Thanks to all. It seems that this is what it is, this is what we are until . . .

—–

A: I have suffered with clinical depression for over 20 years, and I too have those days where it feels impossible to do anything.

Sometimes I have to just accept that “I am ill” and let the bout take it’s course. Other times when I am able to I try to find anything and everything that will distract me, even for the shortest time, from my negative thoughts and total lack of enthusiasm.

I have a favourtie concert on DVD, with music that I find carries me away (not a light fluffly concert either) by the sheer brilliance of the performances and the orchestra – if I find myself sitting and watching it, thats when I ususally realise that I’m not well.

I also find that giving myself small, achievable goals does help. At least at the end of the day, if you managed to get out of bed and sit in front of the TV for half an hour, it is something that you’ve done differently from the day before. Start very small and only build up gradually, that way you are more likely to keep making steady progress.

The best thing for me was when I got my dog, because I would never neglect his needs, despite totally ignoring my own, I know have to leave the house at least twice a day no matter how bad I’m feeling (even if I have still got my pyjamas on under my jeans……).

Normally I would point people in the direction of their local Mind association, but as they are a UK mental health charity, that won’t help you.

You are in a difficult position, being in a country where you have a language barrier, so the usual suggestions won’t prove that useful. That said, there must be some people around who speak your language, is there anyone you feel comfortable and trust enough that you could talk to them when you are feeling so down? They may not be able to do anything, in practical terms, but having someone to lend an ear or a shoulder to lean on does help sometimes.

Being able to slowly come round on my own, and gradually build up contact with the real world again, usually works eventually for me. But I have to be able to do it at my own pace which depends on the severity of the bout at the time.

Taking one day at a time and at least hoping that tomorrow might be better is an improvement on not wanting to be around at all.

Take care.

Q: Clinical depression… dysthymia… bi-polar. ect?
I know clinical depression is more serious, but lasts shorter, while Dysthymic disorder [or dysthymia] is chronic and less severe. But, is there another difference in between them? Like, what types of things would cause dysthymia and clinical depression? Is it a chemical imbalance or something like that? Or does it just develop? I just want to understand what I have to deal with better. =/

A: dysthymia-a mood disorder characterized as mild depression….you have moods swings, like a roller coaster up and down but a chart. Mild swings are not that severe.

clinical depression- Is the way you feel on a day to day basis.

Psychology A psychiatric disorder characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, loss of appetite, anhedonia, feelings of extreme sadness, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death. Also called clinical depression .
Psychiatrist always want “symptoms” to better diagnose and treat the disorder.

There are good benefits of this,,,good luck

Q: is there anybody here suffering from chronic depression/ dysthymia??
i would like to make contact through email. i would just like to know how people cope with it.

A: I have dysthymia for years, and still some times I don’t know how to cope with it, but if you wanna email me be my guest.

Q: Do you deal with cronic depression? Dysthymia? How do you deal with it.?
I take my meds and it suits me find…. I’d just like to connect with others who have the same illness.

A: I suffer from depression and have since I was about 6 or seven years old. It was the worst when I was about 14 because up until that age I’d never gotten treatment…so now I am on prozac and I have to admit that it has changed my life tremendously…I hate being reliant on a pill to make me feel normal though and sometimes I cry because I wanna be normal without having to take perscription pills…but this is something i have to deal with for the rest of my life…it sucks…

Q: what are the alternative treatment for DYSTHYMIA /chronic depression apart from antidepressant?
does exercise helps in depression or it just elevate the mood??????

A: Exercise
Behavioral therapy
Prayer and meditation
A hobby or sport

Stay around upbeat positive people
Eat healthy
Take B-Complex vitamins
Fish Oil

Q: Dysthymia? Depression? Another anti-depressant?
I’m very apathetic, never excited or particularly happy but never mad either. My family says this is how everybody in our family acts so I’m not sure. My roommate, who has depression and is my best friend, said I for sure have depression. Anyway, I go through the motions of everyday life, not really thinking about anything. My memory has gotten really bad. Most of the time, I feel like I’m not doing the right thing. I’m always tired and have no energy, despite getting plenty of sleep. I think and talk slower some days. Sometimes I really don’t want to talk to anybody or do anything and all I want to do is sleep. Friends have commented the last few weeks, asking if something is wrong due to some of the above symptoms. It’s affecting my social life and job. I have tried 2 different anti-depressants that haven’t worked. I don’t eat enough so that could explain the lack of energy but I’m not sure if I have depression. I’ve been to about 4 psychologists, social workers, and family doctors that have agreed that it sounds like it could be depression. I never get a definitive diagnosis though. I’ve already had a full physical to rule out anything else. Should I try another anti-depressant?
My parents don’t want me to go to a psychiatrist because they don’t think I have depression and figure the family doctor is good enough anyway. Talk therapy didn’t help me at all because I have no idea why I feel like this. Nothing causes my symptoms, they all occur randomly. I went to a few different professionals for a max of about 8 sessions each.

A: YES! I know the anti-depressants haven’t worked…SO FAR. I have been there. I went for 12 years in a near daily suicidal state. I saw a psychiatrist twice a week just to keep me going and he dragged me through screaming and kicking and I was difficult as hell. I had every treatment they could throw at me. Then one day, 12 years after a serious head injury which brought my depression on, I had one kick in, so unexpectedly, I didn’t believe it for several weeks. I was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

It did, about 6 months later, but it gave me hope. And now, a few years later I’m on a med that has worked for several years and I don’t have side effects and I am doing really well. So it can get better. Don’t quit. They are inventing better and better meds all the time.

One key is you have to find a psychiatrist who really knows their meds and go to a good psychologist for talk therapy. I think that is crucial.

Good Luck. Write me, too, if you like.

Q: Dysthymia? Depression? Should I try another anti-depressant?
I’m very apathetic, never excited or particularly happy but never mad either. My family says this is how everybody in our family acts so I’m not sure. My roommate, who has depression and is my best friend, said I for sure have depression. Anyway, I go through the motions of everyday life, not really thinking about anything. My memory has gotten really bad. Most of the time, I feel like I’m not doing the right thing. I’m always tired and have no energy, despite getting plenty of sleep. I think and talk slower some days. Sometimes I really don’t want to talk to anybody or do anything and all I want to do is sleep. Friends have commented the last few weeks, asking if something is wrong due to some of the above symptoms. It’s affecting my social life and job. I have tried 2 different anti-depressants that haven’t worked. I don’t eat enough so that could explain the lack of energy but I’m not sure if I have depression. I’ve been to about 4 psychologists, social workers, and family doctors that have agreed that it sounds like it could be depression. I never get a definitive diagnosis though. Should I try another anti-depressant?

A: Your like, the other version of me. I’ve yet to try any anti-depressants, but I have the same symptoms as you just listed. (Except the energy one) But I feel like this more than half the time, I even asked a question about it. You should try one if you think it’ll work, if you think It won’t then don’t bother. I know who you feel but one of my friends has been depressed for 6 years, I’m never excited or happy at the moment but I’m not angry. I don’t know what’s wrong with me, or you for that matter. I’m gonna ask my family to take me to the doctor to get checked out for it. If you need someone to talk to I’m here

Q: Do I have Dysthymia, Depression, or am I making it up?
Here are some of my symptoms on a site for children with dysthymia that I have
persistent feelings of sadness
feeling hopeless or helpless
having low self-esteem
feeling inadequate
excessive guilt
loss of interest in usual activities or activities once enjoyed
difficulty with relationships
sleep disturbances
changes in appetite or weight
decreased energy
difficulty concentrating
a decrease in the ability to make decisions
frequent physical complaints (i.e., headache, stomach ache, fatigue)
running away or threats of running away from home
hypersensitivity to failure or rejection
irritability, hostility, aggression

I have felt like this since October (7 months) and know that Dysthymia lasts for like two years. At certain times I can become happy when my friends distract me but when I’m alone I cry.

This all started after my boyfriend dumped me.
If I do have Dysthymia and you have non-medical treatments that at least will make me feel better that would be appreciated.

Thanks.

A: If you’ve been experiencing these symptoms for seven months then perhaps it’s time to see a therapist. I don’t know if this could be dysthymia, it’s too soon to tell… mine has gone on for decades. This is NOT something you want, so be careful what you wish for.

Q: Depression vs. dysthymia?
What’s the difference between depression and dysthymia? Are they the same thing?

A: Dysthymic DIsorder is a specific form of depression.

Other forms of depression in the DSM-IV are Major Depression, Adjustment DIsorder with Depressed Mood, Mood DIsorder due to General Medical Condition and Depressive DIsorder Not Otherwise Specified.

Q: I live with Dysthymia depression.?
Any tips that could help me recover.

A: I was talking about dysthymia with my therapist the other day. I think it describes the type of depression I have when I’m on my medicine. Major depressive order is my actual diagnosis.

First off, if you don’t already have one, find yourself a job that offers health insurance for pre-existing conditions. Then you can try all kinds of things. I have used medicine, therapist, light box, and neurofeedback, and the insurance has covered it all.

The medicine helps but doesn’t make it go away. The therapist is kinda useful I guess. The light box might work better if I could actually get out of bed in the morning and sit in front of it. lol I’ve only recently tried the neurofeedback, but I have hopes it will help.

If you haven’t talked to your general doctor yet, start there.

Q: Dysthymia / Depression Help?
I have suffered from a lack of enjoyment from life and it is really harming my life. Hope someone can help.
Symtoms I have:

I feel blah most of the time. Everything just sucks

I understand that I have a great life, however although I realize it, it still doesn’t help and generally it makes me feel worse as I know I shouldn’t feel like this

However, I do NOT want to kill myself and I do NOT have a bad self image of myself.

I really strongly despise my job.

I’m usually in a decent mood on the weekends when I don’t have to worry about work, or life

For the most part I don’t want to get out

I cannot get motivated

I have felt like this most of my life however at times it is worse than others.

I feel very overwhelmed and could use guidance.

A: Dear Jason. I´m dealing with a similar situation. Nothing interest me, do not enjoy life. However in my case I do not even enjoy non working days!…..From my experience it´s important that you seek professional help. It´s not fair that you are leaving like this while others enjoy life. Doctors may prescribe antidepressants like cymbalta that will diminish the symptoms, also do acupuncture and exercise like yoga, take multivitamins and pray. Argentox2@yahoo.com

Q: I think i have dysthymia (sort of depression)?
im 14, a guy and i have had depression for a bit more than a year know. i couldn’t stand it anymore so i researched about it on the internet. I found out about this disease called dysthymia, and i seemed to fit into most of the symptoms, worthlessness, helplessness, mild insomnia etc. It said it usually lasted about 2 years, it also said if it didn’t get treated, it could get worse. The thing is, i cant tell my parents about it, dont ask why, i just can’t so i cant really go to a therapist or anything, and i dont want it to get worse. It has gotten better since the start of the depression but is still there. The problems are mainly about my friends, social life and stuff. I just wanna know, what should i do? i want to just get it over as quick as possible, Its ruining my life!

thanks

A: you’re 14, there is no need to keep your reputation, when I was 14 i have no confident at all. I mean at this age, people tend to be depress because this stage of development is about finding your own identity. I recommend you telling your parent, they probably wondering why you’re so depressed lately anyway. Remember, parent are so much more experienced so if you can tell how you feel it will be great.
The reason why you don’t want to tell your parent is so obvious, you don’t want to be embarrass. Like i say there is no need to keep your reputation man, just show all your weaknesses. Later on when you get to like 17-18 you will feel good because since you solve all your problem you will be like: hey if any one want to tease me, they are happy to, because i can do other things that they cant do…ect.

Fixing your problem doesnt alway mean getting rid of your weaknesses by the way. It can be accepting your weakness, embrace it if you were born with it. Finding out the advantage of your weaknesses if you know that i mean. I mean I dont have much friend because of my personality (i just ask question and dont talk much) which is opposite to everyone, but that’s ok. Because the advantage is that my close friends would tend to tell their feeling more, and boast less.

Q: is this depression/dysthymia?
i feel empty, numb, i have no energy do to anything, i can’t enjoy anything, in fact i can’t feel anything… i had before moments when i felt sad, but now i don’t even feel that… i just feel nothing. when i was little i had some kind of energy, little comparing to other kids, but at least i had moments when i enjoyed playing, drawing, watching tv, or talking with others. now i have no passions, no pleasurable activities, just nothing. i feel so tired, exhausted, i just want to stay in bed without moving, and i wish someday i will fall asleep and never wake up. cause it just seems meaningless. i don’t feel SAD right now, but i just feel nothing….is this depression, or what? do you experience the same? would talking to a psychologist be helpful? i mean, it’s like i’m feeling like i have no reason to talk to one, cause i don’t feel sad. i just feel nothing…

my general physician said it might be anemia or something, but my blood tests were right. yet i still feel the same

the thing is it happens that sometimes i get through phases when i feel down and i’m suicidal (i never tried to commit suicide but honestly must say i’ve projected in mind myself doing it ) …but i must say most of the time i feel like this. i never have too much energy (only if i don’t get sleep 24-32 hours, i’m a little euphoric, but otherwise it never happens to me) i’m just empty, without energy and exhausted

so, have you ever felt like this? could this be depression or what?

A: Go back to your doctor…get a different doctor. The lack of energy and exhaustion is probably a lack of motivation. If your doctor is not comfortable prescribing anti depressants – get him/her to refer you to someone. There are other medical conditions, like hypothyroidism, that can cause many of your symptoms.
Be deligent and do not give up. Stay on the doc to HELP.
It may take a psychiatrist to properly medicate you. They have much more knowledge abut brain chemistry. General Practitioners are usually going to use trial and error to get you medicated and it will take 3-6 months on one med before they will change to another. The doc can probably give you a referral to a counselor psychologist or licensed social worker for you to talk to. Talk therapy along with medication is usually very effective.
DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. THIS IS NOT ANXIETY.

Q: What are the symptoms of depression, more specifically Dysthymia?
I’ve been thinking I have some sort of depression for at least three years. Doing my own research it points toward Dysthymia, which is basically a form of long term depression but minor depression. I came to that conclusion because I feel depressed on a somewhat weekly basis. but the symptoms are not severe, it’s not like they prevent me from doing things (but it sometimes causes me to lose my desire to do whatever I’m doing at the time). And I haven’t considered suicide, I’ve thought about what it would be like, but never actually planned on trying anything.

does this fit with Dysthymia or any other form of depression? or am I just over reacting to “feeling down”?
See it has worked in the oppesit way with the friend thing, I haven’t been around friends much and have been feeling down about that… almost like I’m unwanted. I don’t have many “friends” in the college I go to and usually don’t see my girlfriend for two to four week periods.

I occasionally get the feeling it is a bad mix of stress and loneliness… but I’m not sure

A: Well As you said you’ve been doing your own research then I’m sure you know most of the symptoms of dysthymia, but here goes,
Do you feel that your mood has caused poor school or work performance? Has these moods caused you to become socially withdrawn? Do you avoid people because of your mood? Are you irritable or angry at times? Has your mood caused conflict with family or friends? Is your sleep affected? Do you sleep too much or too little? Do you have strange physical pains that doctors can’t explain?
I know these can also be signs of major depression, but its the extent to which you experience these symptoms, and if a low mood persists for more than 2weeks then a depressive disorder is thought to be present.
Dysthymia is usually feeling these symptoms and others of sadness, lowness etc, to an extent for a fairly long period of time, 3 years certainly isnt out of the question, but if you feel these symptoms are affecting your quality of life then you should perhaps think about seeing a doctor, as no one on yahoo answers is able to diagnose you over the internet!
Best of luck and if you want to know more about depression just e-mail me emmanithreinfhir@yahoo.com, I’ve had severe clinical depression for 6 years now.
Good luck and hope you feel better soon
Midge

EDIT…But do you feel good when you’re around your friends? maybe college life is too lonely and taking its toll on you? And I forgot to ask earlier if your appetite has changed? because that can be a symptom. I think you should get in touch with either a doctor or a counsillor, at the very least you will then know exectly what is wrong, and that itself will take a weight off your shoulders..

Q: How do you know if you have dysthymia, if you have had since you were a child?
How would you be diagnosed, if you thought that was just how people normally felt. It would be all you can remember feeling ever…
Dysthymia is a mild form of depression.

A: You would know when a professional tells you so. You would need to seek professional help.

You would be diagnosed by fitting the criteria for diagnosis.

Feeling it’s normal does not negate the having of a disorder.

Is this you:

During a majority of days for 2 years or more, the patient reports depressed mood or appears depressed to others for most of the day.

When depressed, the patient has 2 or more of:
Appetite decreased or increased
Sleep decreased or increased
Fatigue or low energy
Poor self-image
Attachment to relatives other than parents.
Concentration and decisiveness decreased or increased
Feels hopeless or pessimistic

During this 2 year period, the above symptoms are never absent longer than 2 consecutive months.

During the first 2 years of this syndrome, the patient has not had a Major Depressive Episode.

The patient has had no Manic, Hypomanic or Mixed Episodes.

The patient has never fulfilled criteria for Cyclothymic Disorder.

The disorder does not exist solely in the context of a chronic psychosis (such as Schizophrenia or Delusional Disorder).

The symptoms are not directly caused by a general medical condition or the use of substances, including prescription medications.

These symptoms must result in clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, academic, or other major areas of functioning (APA, 2000).

Q: What does dysthymia (low grade depression) feel like?
What is your day to day life like? What are your symptoms? If you’re being treated, what treatment has worked best for you?

A: Usually any form of depression is very non self-controlable. Depression (in any state) can make you think suicidally thoughtss, sadness, and other death circumstancess. Simply it makes you feel terrible.

Q: Can someone please explain Dysthymia or Dysthymic Disorder?
My husband was recently diagnosed with Dysthymic Disorder. What can I expect from here? What are the symptoms, etc? Thank you!

A: Dysthymia is a mood disorder that falls within the depression spectrum. It is typically characterized by a lack of enjoyment or pleasure, clinically referred to as anhedonia, that continues for an extended period. Dysthymia differs from major depression in that the former is both longer-lasting and less disabling. Dysthymia can prevent a person from functioning effectively, disrupt sleep patterns, and interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Q: Can a person beat Dysthymia by seeing counciling and avoiding antipressent pills altogether?

A: Counseling may just do it – but I would go by what the therapist would recommend. You may want to develop an exercise program if you haven’t already

Q: What’s the best cure for dysthymia (chronic low grade depression) ?
Do you or have you had it?

A: No medicine will help you. They only make symptoms go away, until the meds wear off and then the problem is still there.
The only way to do it is to teach yourself that happiness is an attitude. It can’t be derived from things, or from any external circumstance or source. You have to learn that being alive is a joy, even when troubles are there. Even when things don’t go the way you want them to. You have to learn not to attach yourself (emotionally) to events or results of events. You have to learn that life is about the processes you go through and the things you learn, and not what you achieve or accumulate. That even when bad things happen, they happen for the reason of teaching us something. Once you learn to take the positive out of every situation, you’ll learn to be happy because you’ll be growing and developing instead of stagnating. Ever wonder why they call it ‘wallowing’ in depression? Once you learn to accept these concepts, among others, you won’t be depressed. Depression is merely the physical symptom of an emotional attitude. For starters, try reading a couple of (very easy to read and understand) books by Benjamin Hoff: The Tao of Pooh, and The Teh of Piglet. If you take what these books have to offer, you’ll be amazed at the result. Also, try getting into meditation to learn to keep yourself centred and in control of the way you react to everyday situations. You’ll also be amazed at how accurately you’ll start to go through life, without depression. This doesn’t mean you’ll never get angry or sad or whatever. But it will mean that everytime you do, you won’t fall as hard and it will take a fraction of the time to get back up. Pills are the lazy way out and ultimately, they’re just you running form your problems and not facing them and fixing them. Positivity takes work, but the rewards are limitless. If it helps you any, think of somebody you love, know or respect (or all three) being with you all the time, cheering you on and helping you along the way. All this worked for me, without taking a single pill. Good luck!!!

Q: Should I seek help if I have dysthymia?
I have had dysthymia for a long time. I suppose it started back when I was in elementary school. Since it’s not severe depression and I have dealt with it for years, I dunno if I should seek help for it.

A: IF you are dealing with it ok and its not affecting your life
its totally up to you if you think it might help or not

Q: Can one suffer from dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder?

A: I have had long-term depression for many years. At this time of year when it gets darker and colder I feel more depressed. I can feel the tiredness and lack of motivation setting in. Someone gave me one of those Light Boxes. I really need to start using it. I hope you are doing OK.

Q: What are the major differences between Atypical depression and Dysthymia depression ?

A: dysthmia is a chronic low grade depression that to be diagnosed needs to be present for at least 2 years without more than a couple of months break from it. also people who have had a major depressive episode within a 2 year period generally do not fit the diagnostic criteria. Dysthmia often goes undiagnosed because people believe it is part of their personality.

Atypical depression is the depression that affects around 40% of depressed people & is a subtype of dysthmia. Atypical depression is a major depression & is characterised by fluctuations in mood dependant on situations (ie if something good happens the mood will brighten)

Q: Is there a cure for dysthymia?
I was diagnosed with dysthymia about a year ago, and I was curious.
Is there any absolute cure for it? Or is it ongoing?
Help please.

A: no theres not. Its something you have to live with and takes meds to control it the best they can. I got bipolar I and god I wish there was a cure.

Q: How do I know if I have dysthymia?
without having to go and see a doctor?
I’m in my late teens.
And a little bit terrified of the idea of having to tell someone that I think I might be suffering from this illness.
Thankyou.

A: Of course you’re scared. Everyone who suffers any form of a mental illness is. But believe me, it’s not YOUR fault. People understand that. I can guarantee that it will have no affect on how people see you, unless YOU make it that way. See a doctor. It will help you like you can’t even believe.

I know all this from experience, so trust me =)

Q: will dysthymia evolve into bipolar disorder?
Hi, can anyone please let me know if dysthymia could possibly evolve into bipolar disorder? are there such cases?
thanks for the answers guys!

just one more question, is dysthymic disorder serious enough to impair one’s daily functions?

A: Maybe, maybe not. Sometimes a diagnosis changes and sometimes it doesn’t. It all depends on what kind of symptoms the patient has and the doctor’s opinion. There aren’t any lab tests or xrays to determine what kind of mental illness someone has.

I have been diagnosed with Major Depression and Dysthymic Disorder. I have never been diagnosed as Bipolar.

My brother orginally had a diagnosis of Major Depression and later diagnosed with Bipolar.

I know of at least one person who orginally had a diagnosis of Dysthymic Disorder and eventually was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.

Yes, Dysthymic Disorder can be severe enough to impair one’s daily function, but it’s not quite as severe as Major Depression. However, some people have episodes of either one at different times.

Q: I would like to know what is dysthymia?
My friend was diagnosed with dysthymia.I know it is a type of depressionbut what is the seriousness
of this mental illness?Can a person heal fom this mental illness?
Is there medication for this?She says she feels like giving up and doesn’t want
tp be around anyone.How can I help her?

A: Dysthemia is a chronic non-psychotic mood disorder characterized by depression or a loss of interest and pleasure in one’s normal activities, but whose symptoms are not severe enough for major depression. (Dorland’s medical dictionary). I would hope that her doctor has offered a method of support for your friend so that she can begin to heal. Since this for of depression is non-psychotic, I would say that yes, she could come out of her depression with time and healing. I know that you said that you would like to help her and I would feel the same way if she were my friend. I would probably contact my own doctor and tell him/her about my friend and express my desire to help and see if he/she can refer you to a person who deals with this type of depression and what you can expect and how you should go about helping your friend heal. I hope that things work out for the both of you.

Q: any tips with dealing with Dysthymia?
I have had depression for 2 1/2 years now and I have been having troubles dealing with it. Any Advice? Tips? Meds that work or didn’t work? Anything will help Thanks!

A: Depression is so hard. I live and breath it. I don’t even know how many years ago it began. Maybe 30 (I am 43) I do know that you are doing the right thing by reaching out. I have found that it is INCREDIBLE how many people respond to depression issues on this site. I don’t even speak with my family on these issues, but when I post a question here..people seem to for the most part) care. Medication, doctors, blah , blah, blah. Try this. Go to this sight and start reading other peoples mental health questions. You will be amazed at how well you understand their problems. It will truly help you..if only for a moment. I pray I gave you something.

Q: How prevalent is Dysthymia in today’s society?

A: Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression, involving long-term chronic symptoms. It affects approximately 5.4 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older during their lifetime. This figure translates to about 10.9 million American adults.

About 40 percent of adults with dysthymic disorder also meet criteria for major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder in a given year. Dysthymic disorder often begins in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.

Q: I have dysthymia and am taking prozac. I am getting worse, not better. What happens next?
I think I have Adult Attention Deficit Disorder in addition to the mood disorder. I’ve been tested but the results do not convince my doctor that I have ADD. I’m concerned that my doctor isn’t doing enough to help me.

I am taking the prescribed medication as directed, trying to eat right, exercise, etc. I’d appreciate any helpful suggestions and words of hope.

Thank you for your help…

A: Speak to your doctor, and/or get a second opinion.

Psychiatric medications are difficult to prescribe, because what works for one person might not work for others.

Prozac is often the first defence against any depressive disorder. It often works, but if it doesn’t, there are many other options.