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A Family Member Has Been Dealing With Severe Depression And
Question: A family member has been dealing with severe depression and suicidal thoughts since 8 -9 months now. We think it started due to these reasons- issues at work due which the he had to almost quit his job, issues at home ( daily quarrels and arguments with other family members) and lastly, inability to confide in/share thoughts with someone. We have visited two psychiatrists so far. They have prescribed medicines which makes him sleepy and tired but are not helping much. He still gets suicidal thoughts specially when he is left alone. He seems better when he is at work (now things are better in the office). Medicines do not seem to help. He finds it difficult to get out bed and says he has no energy or motivation.
As per his current doctor, he is diagnosed as "Bi-polar". He has been prescribed below medications:
1. LICAB TAB
2. ALZOLAM O.25MG (H1)
3. QUTIWEL 50MB TAB
4. PRESTIQ 50MB TAB
5. ROSUVAS 10MG TB
His doctor has recommended to admit him to a hospital and proposed Electroconvulsive therapy.
I believe there are multiple side effects to ECT.
Please advise on best course of action. Also, I would like to understand if "Bi-polar" and "severe depression" are curable or can simply have to be managed lifelong. Can family/emotional support help or would it be better to leave the patient in a hospital
As per his current doctor, he is diagnosed as "Bi-polar". He has been prescribed below medications:
1. LICAB TAB
2. ALZOLAM O.25MG (H1)
3. QUTIWEL 50MB TAB
4. PRESTIQ 50MB TAB
5. ROSUVAS 10MG TB
His doctor has recommended to admit him to a hospital and proposed Electroconvulsive therapy.
I believe there are multiple side effects to ECT.
Please advise on best course of action. Also, I would like to understand if "Bi-polar" and "severe depression" are curable or can simply have to be managed lifelong. Can family/emotional support help or would it be better to leave the patient in a hospital
Brief Answer:
consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the prescribed trweatment I do not feel there is anything wrong with treatment as all the medications are useful in the treatment of depression as well as bipolar disorder. It is true that medications makes him sleepy but I feel they are helping him as evidenced by resuming work in recent past.
Regarding the suicidal thoughts there are limited options which include lithim which is already prescribed. In case this is not helping much and there is danger to his life ECT is best course of action.
Regarding side effects of ECT, I do belibe that side effects are much less than the even prescribed medications. I mean to say that there is no serious side effects with ECT. If you ask me ECT as treatment option in severe depression with suicidal thoughts I would say that ECT is safest, least time taking and most efective treatment option when all factors are considered.
Both the depresion and bipolar disoreder are treatable disorder and most patients need long term treatment.
Family and emotional support is essential for recovery of the individual but not enough to treat the problem. It can be considered as adjunct of treatment.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks and regards.
consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
From the prescribed trweatment I do not feel there is anything wrong with treatment as all the medications are useful in the treatment of depression as well as bipolar disorder. It is true that medications makes him sleepy but I feel they are helping him as evidenced by resuming work in recent past.
Regarding the suicidal thoughts there are limited options which include lithim which is already prescribed. In case this is not helping much and there is danger to his life ECT is best course of action.
Regarding side effects of ECT, I do belibe that side effects are much less than the even prescribed medications. I mean to say that there is no serious side effects with ECT. If you ask me ECT as treatment option in severe depression with suicidal thoughts I would say that ECT is safest, least time taking and most efective treatment option when all factors are considered.
Both the depresion and bipolar disoreder are treatable disorder and most patients need long term treatment.
Family and emotional support is essential for recovery of the individual but not enough to treat the problem. It can be considered as adjunct of treatment.
I hope this answers you.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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