Posted by g_g_g_unit on July 29, 2010, at 8:45:00
I've just recently moved countries and saw a psychiatrist who was of no use to me. I've since managed to track down a psychologist I'm very happy with and who has tentatively diagnosed me as suffering from: Atypical Depression, Inattentive ADD (lifelong), Pure "O" OCD (emerging amidst the stress of college), PTSD (from dealing with the OCD). I've been chronically depersonalized since the OCD crescendoed and capitulated me into major depression, and have been suffering from persistent cognitive problems.
Unfortunately, it's *incredibly* hard to tease out what is causing what. I know that Depersonalization/PTSD, Depression, and inattentive ADD *all* have their own associated cognitive difficulties. If I'm not actively dissociating, then I'm prey to a sluggish ADD tempo, or trying to battle the onslaught of OCD.
Logically, I imagine a prescriber would suggest an SSRI for the depression, depersonalization and OCD, but if this makes the inattentive ADD worse, then I'm guessing it would just enhance my fogginess and feelings of detachment. They've also never done wonders for my mood. Stimulants (well caffeine anyway) make me feel more present, less anhedonic, and more attached to my thoughts for a couple of days before 'pooping out'.
Is the logical answer an SSRI + stimulant? My psychologist has suggested Effexor.
Should I consider giving an MAOI another shot? I'm a little wary of going down that path though because sleep deprivation just seems to exacerbate things.
Thanks for any advice.
poster:g_g_g_unit
thread:956304
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100720/msgs/956304.html