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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression

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Posted on Fri, 13 Jan 2017
Question: I am 65, have always been a glass half empty thinker. Never appreciated all I have, but felt inadequate feeling I should have more, with my 3 marriages and in trouble with my 3rd now, business, and friends, I just never felt adequate. this led to heavy drinking as a tool to manage my low self esteem.
At this point I feel I am suffering from some form of depression. I have tried therapy but feel I definitely have a chemical imbalance and some drug treatment seems eminent?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (54 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
does sound like depression and you should consider medication

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on the information that you have provided , the feeling of inadequacy and low self esteem with compensation with alcohol , then I would have to agree with you that there is a chance that you are depressed.

Depression is very common, it may occur on its own or with other illnesses such as anxiety.

Though therapy is part of the treatment , medications are very helpful along with therapy and in some cases are only needed for a few months.
Most of the anti depressants work by increasing the level of serotonin . Some also increase norepinephrine levels.

Some of the medications include paxil, zoloft, prozac, effexor, celexa, lexapro, bupropion.
Many persons feel a significant difference when they start their medications.

Cognitive behaviour therapy would look at any thoughts, perceptions and ideas that are affecting your behaviour and attitudes. A psychiatrist would be able to both carry you through this type of therapy and also prescribe any necessary medication.

If the initial medication chosen does not work for you, then it can be changed.

You do not have to continue feeling this way, you can be helped by medication and therapy.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Depression

Brief Answer: does sound like depression and you should consider medication Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on the information that you have provided , the feeling of inadequacy and low self esteem with compensation with alcohol , then I would have to agree with you that there is a chance that you are depressed. Depression is very common, it may occur on its own or with other illnesses such as anxiety. Though therapy is part of the treatment , medications are very helpful along with therapy and in some cases are only needed for a few months. Most of the anti depressants work by increasing the level of serotonin . Some also increase norepinephrine levels. Some of the medications include paxil, zoloft, prozac, effexor, celexa, lexapro, bupropion. Many persons feel a significant difference when they start their medications. Cognitive behaviour therapy would look at any thoughts, perceptions and ideas that are affecting your behaviour and attitudes. A psychiatrist would be able to both carry you through this type of therapy and also prescribe any necessary medication. If the initial medication chosen does not work for you, then it can be changed. You do not have to continue feeling this way, you can be helped by medication and therapy. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions