HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression And Anxiety

default
Posted on Tue, 14 Mar 2017
Question: I was suffering from depression, and it has been treated with anti=depressants and I feel much better. But it has caused weight gain. While I don't feel depressed, I am struggling to find motivation and self-confidence at the moment, and have so much anxiety and self-loathing I don't want to leave the house let alone by bedroom and have been really reclusive.
Im not sure whats wrong with me or what to do.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Lack of motivation, self-confidence, self-loathing, and isolation are all signs of lingering depression. You likely need further treatment with an augmenting medication such as lithium, T3, or Wellbutrin. You might also benefit from CBT therapy.

an atypical neuroleptic medication such as aripiprazole or lurasidone.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (21 minutes later)
Thank you Dr.,
I have tried a huge range of anti-depressant medications over the years, and due to recent factors last year in my personal life things got worse.

I agree with you that perhaps the depression hasn't been treated properly. But Im seeing my second psychiatrist, and he really doesn't advise or really understand that I don't feel that the medication has fixed it (although it has helped). After trying a huge range, I feel "crazy" to tell him I don't think I have responded well enough to the meds.

How do I say I got your recommendations online without offending him, and how common is it that people don't respond adequately to anti-depressants?

I feel quite embarrassed and keep pretending to everyone but myself that Im okay, and when I can be alone I just hope in my room- thats obviously not normal.

I will google all the meds suggested, thank you. Can I also ask about ECT and at what stage is this used after non response to meds?

Thankyou,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Simply tell your psychiatrist that you are not responding to the medications and offer him these suggestions to consider. He wants to help you.

Oftentimes depression that doesn't respond to medications (about 15% of cases) will respond well to psychotherapy such as CBT. I strongly recommend you consider this.

ECT is effective and is typically used after several medication trials have failed. It may be time to give this a try.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression And Anxiety

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Lack of motivation, self-confidence, self-loathing, and isolation are all signs of lingering depression. You likely need further treatment with an augmenting medication such as lithium, T3, or Wellbutrin. You might also benefit from CBT therapy. an atypical neuroleptic medication such as aripiprazole or lurasidone. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers