Posted by brussell on December 16, 2003, at 15:25:58
In reply to ADs, Diminished brain-power, Dr.Bob, posted by daisymm on December 16, 2003, at 14:18:41
I'm curious about why you're taking the lithium. You didn't mention being bipolar, and lithium is usually best at preventing mania. I've never taken it, but I've heard it can cause cognitive dysfunction.
You might want to see another psychiatrist. I think your depression should be treated aggressively, but unless you are really bipolar, lithium is probably not a good choice.
Antipsychotics might be helpful if your depression has quasi-psychotic, desperate features. They have the advantage of working fast to calm you down.
Make sure you get emergency treatment when necessary
Don't worry about your school performance right now; you have more important things to worry about. Your cognitive problems are probably the result of depression and anxiety (the lithium might play a role, too) and will get better when you find a treatment that works.
I'm concerned that you are being medicated as if you were bipolar, yet you do not describe any manic episodes. Make sure you get an accurate diagnosis. The treatment strategies for bipolar disorder and non-bipolar depression are quite different. If you are not bipolar, your doctor should probably ditch the lithium and work more aggressively to find an antidepressant that actually works for you.
Good luck.
poster:brussell
thread:290590
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031213/msgs/290634.html