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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Unveil Hidden Fear From A 60 Yr Old Female Who Has Gone Into Depression/anxiety After Her Mother's Death?

Hello and Good Evening. I am actually (and truthfully) concerned about a friend of mine. She is 61 years of age, never married and lived with her Mom all of her 60 years of age. Her Mom passed away one year ago and my friend, MaryAnn is grieving 24/7. I firmly believe her grieving is out of the ordinary. She claims and seriously believes she has no purpose to continue living. She lived for her mother; her mother was her world. During the course of her life (from teens to present), she adores babies and children. All her nieces and nephews are now adults and again, she claims she has no purpose in living. She has no hobbies, no interests, does not like to read, does not like to volunteer. She has been institutionalized at Buffalo Psychiatric Center to no avail; has had shock treatments to no avail. She has been to numerous counselors; has seen numerous psychiatrists, in addition to being on every known depression and anxiety medication. She is basically living a self-fulfilling prophecy - "nothing works; nothing is going to help me." Over and over I have suggested to keep a gratitude journal - it's a waste of time she tells me. She is now on Social Security Disability. I, along with all her family, am at wits end. There are days she calls me 3-4 times a day, crying, and hoping she will not wake up the next day. In addition to all of this, she is a Type II diabetic. I was wondering if she should see a psychotherapist who could "delve deeply" into her past and perhaps unveil some hidden fear. Personally, I see MaryAnn as a child (age 10) in an adult body. Help!!!
Thu, 6 Mar 2014
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello.

This certainly is a difficult situation. You friend appears to be suffering from prolonged major depression.

I think it is wise that you are exploring "alternative" therapies, including psychoanalysis (i.e. delving deeply). Hypnosis may be a modality to consider. You may also want to search the internet for experimental/research protocols for the treatment of severe refractory depression. Some individuals have been helped by the medically supervised use of hallucinogenic plants; or medical marijuana; or phototherapy; or brain mapping, to name just a few options.

I hope I have been of some help...

ez


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How To Unveil Hidden Fear From A 60 Yr Old Female Who Has Gone Into Depression/anxiety After Her Mother's Death?

Hello. This certainly is a difficult situation. You friend appears to be suffering from prolonged major depression. I think it is wise that you are exploring alternative therapies, including psychoanalysis (i.e. delving deeply). Hypnosis may be a modality to consider. You may also want to search the internet for experimental/research protocols for the treatment of severe refractory depression. Some individuals have been helped by the medically supervised use of hallucinogenic plants; or medical marijuana; or phototherapy; or brain mapping, to name just a few options. I hope I have been of some help... ez