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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Question: Hi, I am undergoing depression now and then. I am working, I have two kids. Girl is in fourth and Son is in first year PUC. My parents stay upstairs my house. I am not able to take criticism. My husband and me have difference of opinion on most affairs. We go to the extent that he tells me that he do not want to come back home. Me and my kids are far from being perfect and we do not even try doing that extra effort to be disciplined. I like to listen to music, read, watch soaps - but I am not particular to do them, coz many a times, I dont get time to do them. But I play music whenever I can. I think that keeps my balance and thank God, I always get something which shows me a way - like now - this site and you.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
provide more details

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs. XXXXXXX

Thanks for writing to us.

Let me know,

- Sad mood, lack of interest in routine/pleasurable activities, weeping/crying spells, hopelessness, reduce appetite, excessive fatigue or weakness, lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, death wishes, suicidal ideas : among these symptoms which are there in your case and since when? Please narrate briefly.

- What is your education and why do you feel that you are not perfect?

- What is your daily schedule and do you feel something is lacking in life?

- What type of criticism do you face and by whom?

I will be happy to help further after your response.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Chintan Solanki (1 hour later)

Thank you Doc for your prompt reply. I would like the conversations to be confidential ie., not for public view in the site.

- Sad mood, lack of interest in routine/pleasurable activities, weeping/crying spells, hopelessness, excessive fatigue or weakness, death wishes, suicidal ideas- among the symptoms given I have cut the ones which are not mine - like sleep disorder, concentration, apetite. I started having this from last 3 - 4 years, the intensity getting higher each year. My husband tells me how bad I am at everything. that is the criticism I face and which takes me to all the above. I donot cook tasty food. So my daughter gets the food back from school. My son likes outside food much. I do not do much of prayers and my home is also not very clean. My items are not very tidy - I do not handle money, ornaments (coz I may forget where it is kept). My important papers - I give to my husband. The ones which are with me get eventually lost. I am B.Com.

- daily schedule - I go to work from 8.30 and return at 7.15 pm. After freshenup, I make dinner and other house works. I get too tired and just will be waiting to hit the bed.

I feel something is lacking in life - I think it is love and peace of mind.

- What type of criticism do you face and by whom? My husband criticises me. He says he is just telling so that I improve and also tells me that now I wont improve as my days are over.

Thank you. Please let me know if you have more questions.

Answered by Dr. Chintan Solanki (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
conversation will be confidential, treatment can change your life

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for information. This communication will be confidential and even you can delete from records on request to customer care.

It is almost confirmed that you are in depression as your social life is disturbed with the symptoms. You need treatment for that as well as couple counseling is also needed to make your husband understand about your situation. Considering age of 42 pre-menopausal disturbances should also be taken care of if indicated.

Treatment of depression includes both medicines and psychotherapy.

In psychotherapy I prefer cognitive behavior therapy (CBT).In mild cases only CBT is sufficient. In moderate to severe cases initially medicines and then CBT is added. And later on medicines stopped gradually.

In medicines SSRI group of drugs (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, escitalopram) are main stay of the treatment. There are other group of drugs as well with different mechanisms and excellent results.
Benzodiazepines group of drugs (clonazeapm, lorazepam or etizolam) are used initially for short duration for fast symptomatic relief.

One can stop medicines gradually after 100% recovery according to doctor's guidance.

Consulting a psychiatrist personally will surely help you to live better life.

Feel free to discuss further.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar