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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression Leading To Suicidal Tendencies

My name is Jim. I am a 47 year old man, I have a diagnosis of Chronic Severe Depression. I am also a "hopeless" alcoholic, I have tried numerous times in the last 20 years to quit drinking with no success. I am in chronic physical pain, NOT depression pain, real physical pain. I have spinal injuries starting in my sacral spine going all the way up to my cervical spine. 4 injuries in all including Cervical stenosis. I am unemployed, I am a truck driver by trade but a DUI conviction this last summer has left me with no license and no way to earn a living. I am living with my estranged wife who is hostile to say the least and she has given me until 3/8 to get out of her house. I have no where to go, I have no money and I just can't take it anymore! I am seriously considering suicide as a solution to my problem. Not today but, I can't find any other acceptable solution to my problem. I wish that I could get ECT, I think it might help me think more clearly but, I don't know how to go about getting it. Please, if you have any answers, please help.
Mon, 24 Nov 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking

I have read your query and I can understand your concern. You have symptoms of hopelessness, no job, poor family support from wife, chronic pain due to spinal problems and suicidal tendencies. All these symptoms can fit into severe depression. Chronic alcoholism further aggravates the condition. Yes Electroconvulsive therapy is mainstay of therapy for severe depressive disorders. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and treatment. ECT facility is available at most of psychiatric centres. Many antidepressants like Mirtazepine, Venlafaxine, Fluoxetine can be used for symptoms of severe depression. As pain is also one of important presenting complaint so medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can help. These medicines will also relieve anxiety in addition of controlling pain. With proper psychiatric help problem of alcoholism can also be dealt. Alcohol is a brain depressant and excess use of alcohol potentiates depression. As these drugs are prescription drugs so consult a psychiatrist for detailed opinion.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression Leading To Suicidal Tendencies

Hello thanks for asking I have read your query and I can understand your concern. You have symptoms of hopelessness, no job, poor family support from wife, chronic pain due to spinal problems and suicidal tendencies. All these symptoms can fit into severe depression. Chronic alcoholism further aggravates the condition. Yes Electroconvulsive therapy is mainstay of therapy for severe depressive disorders. I would advise you to consult a psychiatrist for detailed evaluation and treatment. ECT facility is available at most of psychiatric centres. Many antidepressants like Mirtazepine, Venlafaxine, Fluoxetine can be used for symptoms of severe depression. As pain is also one of important presenting complaint so medicines like Pregabalin or Gabapentin can help. These medicines will also relieve anxiety in addition of controlling pain. With proper psychiatric help problem of alcoholism can also be dealt. Alcohol is a brain depressant and excess use of alcohol potentiates depression. As these drugs are prescription drugs so consult a psychiatrist for detailed opinion. Thanks, hope this helps you.