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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Depression
Question: my husband is having a nervous breakdown, or depression. he says it makes his body feel (arms and legs) nervy.... He paces the floor or lays down and tries to sleep, but he can't... My question is, can there be a physical cause for this? I don't know how to help him. He's been to our family Doctor and he prescribed valium and escitalopram 20 mg
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I'd like more information to better answer your question, but I can give you some general advice.
It sounds like your husband may be suffering from an anxious depression. The standard treatment for this long-term is an antidepressant, such as Lexapro, raised to the maximum dose, which is 20mg. Short term help can include a benzodiazepine such as Valium. It can take an antidepressant up to 6 weeks to take full effect. So it is important he see his doctor regularly to monitor his progress.
Sometimes there can be physical causes for this, though this is less likely. I would check his TSH which measures thyroid hormone. I would obtain basic bloodwork including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel. I would consider a CT scan of the head as well especially if there are any neurological symptoms.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question.
I'd like more information to better answer your question, but I can give you some general advice.
It sounds like your husband may be suffering from an anxious depression. The standard treatment for this long-term is an antidepressant, such as Lexapro, raised to the maximum dose, which is 20mg. Short term help can include a benzodiazepine such as Valium. It can take an antidepressant up to 6 weeks to take full effect. So it is important he see his doctor regularly to monitor his progress.
Sometimes there can be physical causes for this, though this is less likely. I would check his TSH which measures thyroid hormone. I would obtain basic bloodwork including a complete blood count and comprehensive metabolic panel. I would consider a CT scan of the head as well especially if there are any neurological symptoms.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
Answered by
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