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My Story . . . and My Questions

Posted by plannerdude on April 21, 2010, at 13:20:50 [reposted on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41 | original URL]

Hello!

Several years ago, when I was in college (~5/6 years), I experienced deep depression, including a lack of interest in my friends, hobbies, and my classwork. My classes suffered and I ended up spending an extra year in school to graduate. My depression was pretty bad and ultimately resulted in a physical fight with my roommate. Because of my deep depression and increasing cyclical irritability, I began seeing our campus counselor who assisted me with cognitive therapy and a gentle push out of my depression.

Ultimately, I ended up going to a psychiatrist (at the urging of my counselor and a very caring professor) to receive medications to assist with my general state of mind. Based on my deep depression and cyclical irritability/excitability, the psychiatrist prescribed me a good dose of lexapro/citalporam, coupled with lithium. On an as-needed basis, I take xanax and seroquel (for excitability and sleep-aid).

Thankfully, my condition has vastly improved and I no longer experience extended periods of depression. Ultimately, I am much more cognizant of my state of mind and have the ability to help curtail upcoming issues.

Since this time, I no longer see a therpist or the psychiatrist. I get my scripts from my family physician (whom I trust completely), but who followed the diagnosis I got many years ago from the psychiatrist.

I am now a professional who lives a relatively regular life. My issues arise on occasion--especially the irritability. My coworkers do not know anything of my diagnosis, but do understand that I have "anxiety issues" which sometimes hinder my performance. Other than these slight upticks in irritability, I feel regular and normal. I've never experienced the extreme cyclical behaviors of severe bp.

My current concern lies in my diagnosis and in my medication. Should I be re-evaluated to confirm the diagnosis? If my diagnosis changes, should I seek to modify my medication regimen? I don't want to take medications I don't need, but also do not want to risk the hazards of prolonged consumption of lithium and other psycho drugs.

I am not concerned with stigma and fully accept mental illness as a condition that needs attention and treatment. I just want to be accurately diagnosed and be on the appropriate medication.

Thanks in advance for your help and guidance.

Best,

Planner Dude


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poster:plannerdude thread:944534
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100416/msgs/944534.html