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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 9:21:37
I am trying to figure out something. I have had depression ever since i could remember as well as panic disorder. But, it seems that now (and a few times years ago) that I get to the point of suicidal thoughts. When I go into depression, its not just feeling sad, its Life sucks and I want to go! I was wondering if there is such a thing as just major depressive disorder without the other side (bp or bp2) It would seem that to get that low, that I would have to get high at times too. (which i do) but I am just so confused about my problems right now. I thought i might be bp2, but some ppl say i dont. I dont see how I can have an episode (months long) of highs, where i am totally irrational in my thinking and then go into major depression, then feel somewhat* normal..If thats not a cycle, then what the hell is it?????
Sorry, but I am soooo confused right now..
S
Posted by Ritch on May 13, 2005, at 9:57:33
In reply to Question about depression!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 9:21:37
> I am trying to figure out something. I have had depression ever since i could remember as well as panic disorder. But, it seems that now (and a few times years ago) that I get to the point of suicidal thoughts. When I go into depression, its not just feeling sad, its Life sucks and I want to go! I was wondering if there is such a thing as just major depressive disorder without the other side (bp or bp2) It would seem that to get that low, that I would have to get high at times too. (which i do) but I am just so confused about my problems right now. I thought i might be bp2, but some ppl say i dont. I dont see how I can have an episode (months long) of highs, where i am totally irrational in my thinking and then go into major depression, then feel somewhat* normal..If thats not a cycle, then what the hell is it?????
> Sorry, but I am soooo confused right now..
> SIt sounds like bipolar for sure (IMO). Your depressions don't sound "mixed" though. When you're high there is a tremendous amount of energy being consumed and a lot of rapid-fire thinking. When you crash, the plug gets pulled on the energy supply.. and your thoughts *seem* more "rational".. they're just not haywire and scattered, etc. Suicididal ruminations aren't really rational.. maybe it is just the *pace* of your thinking being slowed leads you to think of it is as normal?
Posted by SLS on May 13, 2005, at 10:05:44
In reply to Question about depression!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 9:21:37
I think that your thoughts of suicide reflect both the severity of your current biological state combined with the content of your thoughts and feelings at this juncture in your life. In other words, it might be that where you are at psychologically at the time helps determine what your thoughts and feelings will be once you enter the depressive state. It should also be taken into consideration that, very often, the severity of mood states grows worse and worse with the number of episodes experienced.
Your self-description seems to be indicative of bipolar I. The best way to prevent the lows is to eliminate the highs. Stabilization is the key to managing your illness. This can be accomplished using a variety of drugs. If I had bipolar I, I think I would opt for a combination of lithium + Lamictal. If the depression does resolve, and you are tolerating the lithium, you might need to add an antidepressant. However, to add and antidepressant without the presence of a mood stabilizing drug is to take a chance that you will precipitate another severe mania. Lamictal by itself is usually inadequate to prevent mania. If you do not tolerate the lithium, then you can move on to other anticonvulsant mood-stabilizers and/or atypical neuroleptics.
- Scott
Posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 16:49:47
In reply to Re: Question about depression!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by SLS on May 13, 2005, at 10:05:44
Thank you both for your good imput. I hope you wont mind, but i am printing out my post and well as your responses to read to my pdoc next week. I hope it helps him understand where i am coming from.
have a good weekend.
S
Posted by Phillipa on May 13, 2005, at 18:27:58
In reply to Re: Question..........., posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 16:49:47
Sounds like bipolar to me too. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 18:41:46
In reply to Re: Question........... » woolav, posted by Phillipa on May 13, 2005, at 18:27:58
Posted by linkadge on May 13, 2005, at 20:07:17
In reply to Re: That's what I was afraid of Phillipa.... (nm), posted by woolav on May 13, 2005, at 18:41:46
I report to people that I don't feel depressed, I just feel suicidal.
I'm not particularly sad, or anxious, I sleep ok, and I am eating. I get things done during the day, I just want to kill myself. I think about it a lot. Trying to find the appropriate time, method etc.
To other people it sounds very strange, but I have been this way for a few years now.
Linkadge
Posted by SLS on May 13, 2005, at 20:47:44
In reply to You sound like me, posted by linkadge on May 13, 2005, at 20:07:17
> I report to people that I don't feel depressed, I just feel suicidal.
>
> I'm not particularly sad, or anxious, I sleep ok, and I am eating. I get things done during the day, I just want to kill myself. I think about it a lot. Trying to find the appropriate time, method etc.
>
> To other people it sounds very strange, but I have been this way for a few years now.
How often do you experience anger, aggression, or irritability? To what extent is anxiety a problem?
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on May 13, 2005, at 20:53:48
In reply to Re: You sound like me » linkadge, posted by SLS on May 13, 2005, at 20:47:44
I never experience agression, but I do experience extreme anger (usually directed towards God, and not people).
Linkadge
Posted by Jakeman on May 13, 2005, at 21:33:08
In reply to Re: You sound like me, posted by linkadge on May 13, 2005, at 20:53:48
> I never experience agression, but I do experience extreme anger (usually directed towards God, and not people).
>
> LinkadgeMe too. Does that mean there's no hope?
Posted by linkadge on May 14, 2005, at 1:40:22
In reply to Re: You sound like me » linkadge, posted by Jakeman on May 13, 2005, at 21:33:08
Not sure, depakote eliminated it, but lithium seemed to greatly intensify it.
Mind you, depakote worsened depression, but lithium didn't.
Linkadge
Posted by woolav on May 14, 2005, at 6:33:09
In reply to Re: You sound like me, posted by linkadge on May 14, 2005, at 1:40:22
Have you been diagnosed with bp? I know you have been through hell and didnt you stop taking meds at some point? And it seems from what I read, that mental illness is treated differently in the UK than here in the states.
S
Posted by SLS on May 14, 2005, at 6:42:42
In reply to Re: You sound like me, posted by linkadge on May 14, 2005, at 1:40:22
Suicidality is often precipitated by anger and aggression. With suicide, the aggression is directed inward. It is this aggression that might perhaps be successfully treated by using Tegretol or Trileptal (my guess). Of course, these drugs have utility as mood-stabilizers in bipolar disorders, so the benefit might be two-fold.
- Scott
Posted by linkadge on May 14, 2005, at 15:08:06
In reply to Re: You sound like me, posted by SLS on May 14, 2005, at 6:42:42
It may be that an anticonvulsant would help the situation.
But like I said before, I can sit here and hypothesize, but It does't change a darned thing cause my doctor will give me what he wants to give me.
I have a good intuitive idea of what meds would work, but doctors treat my insight like a neurotic quackery.
Linkadge
This is the end of the thread.
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