Posted by ed_uk2010 on February 14, 2015, at 10:52:50
In reply to Re: Depression vs. 'negative' psychotic symptoms » ed_uk2010, posted by Tomatheus on February 13, 2015, at 17:47:24
Hi Tom,
>Thank you for taking the time to write everything
You're welcome.
>I lean toward the idea that I probably have some mixture of depressive and "negative" psychotic symptoms
This type of state seems common after recovery from the acute/florid features of psychotic, depressive, schizoaffective or bipolar episodes. It is often very much like depression with less psychological 'pain' and prominent lack of motivation and cognitive difficulties. Some pdocs use the term 'residual symptoms'. Since almost all medication studies are centred around treating acute episodes of illness, it's not at all clear how best to treat these symptoms.
>the vitamin D3
Do you know if your blood level of vitamin D is normal now? Have you been checked for thyroid dysfunction lately? Or any other 'routine blood tests'? eg. Complete blood count, glucose etc.
>I have things that I'm motivated to do, but I can't do them when my energy and concentration are as bad....
So, do you still feel able to enjoy things when you are able to concentrate? ...Or would you say your enjoyment of activities is reduced?
Does your mood/enjoyment correlate with the impaired concentration and fatigue, or do they seem disconnected?
>Do I *want* to keep pressing my alarm clock's "snooze" button in the mornings? Of course not, or I wouldn't have set the alarm in the first place.
I think this type of situation is very common indeed. You are not alone, for sure.
>have thought-like voices
Do you mean you sometimes hear your thoughts spoken aloud? It does appear that Abilify is doing a good job of keeping the most severe features of your illness under control.
What have you tried in terms of antidepressants? It sounds like you've had very little luck. Do you sleep and eat well?
>I even believed that I was the second coming of Jesus Christ at one point
So, was that part of a schizoaffective, manic episode? I'm guessing your diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type? - in partial remission.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1076218
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150129/msgs/1076611.html