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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Severe Depression Be Managed?

I have been taking depression meds for over 10 years now, after my husband was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, however, I am one of the unfortunate ones, it seems as though it takes 6-8 weeks to kick in, then it is good for 6-8 months, then I am deeply down again, doctors either change my meds or increase my dosage, however again 6-8 weeks to kick in and 6-8 months it s good, then I am down again, this has been going on now for 10 years, I have probably been on 15-18 different meds. I heard about lithium, adding it to what I am already taking BUT the side effects seem very SERIOUS~~
Thu, 24 May 2018
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Psychologist,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

Depressive disorder or depression is a neurochemical disorder. Suicidal tendency is one main symptom of depression. You must be able to distinguish between mental disease and mental disorder. Your problem is a mental disorder. Not a mental disease. These mental disorders are usually treated with a combination of medicines and other means like awareness, meditation, psychotherapy techniques, lifestyle changes, etc.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. K. V. Anand
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How Can Severe Depression Be Managed?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Depressive disorder or depression is a neurochemical disorder. Suicidal tendency is one main symptom of depression. You must be able to distinguish between mental disease and mental disorder. Your problem is a mental disorder. Not a mental disease. These mental disorders are usually treated with a combination of medicines and other means like awareness, meditation, psychotherapy techniques, lifestyle changes, etc. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. K. V. Anand