Posted by polarbear206 on January 16, 2003, at 17:55:24
In reply to Re: Atypical Depression: How can I help my husband? » Theresa Rae, posted by medlib on January 16, 2003, at 15:22:01
> [Originally posted by Theresa Rae on Psychological Babble on 1/16/03]
>
> > My husband has been depressed for the better part of 15 years. Just recently I read about atypical depression, and his doctor switched him to Effexor (doctor wanted to avoid side-effects and possible complications of MAOI's, which are normally recommended for those with atypical depression). So, he's been taking Effexor since this fall, and is now sleeping 12 hours a day again (and crawling back into his cave.)
> >
> > My husband cancelled his third appointment to see his psychologist, and complains that if he goes in for the "fatigue," he'll just get the run-around as to whether or not he has sleep apnea (sp?)
> >
> > Help! Is it normal for him to be experiencing a relapse? Is it possible he's not taking the right meds? How can I avoid getting dragged down, too?
>
>Medlib,
Your husband could have an underlying bipolar disorder. Many bipolars have atypical depression symptoms. Are his symptoms all through the year or are thet seasonal? He could also have SAD. Light therapy in combo with an antidepressant is used to treat this. MAOI's get a bad rap, but they are superior to other AD's for this type of depression. Many who post here are doing well on these drugs. Go to Depression Central web site. This site has indepth info on atypical depression.
Laura
poster:polarbear206
thread:136132
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030113/msgs/136154.html