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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by NDS on April 14, 2005, at 3:20:12
My son suffered form Psychotic Depression in October, and over the past few weeks has been exhibiting signs of a possible relapse. We're talking to his psychiatrist and therapist, but I was wondering what experiences others out there have had with relapses. Should we be steeling ourselves for a more severe episode, or do relapses tend to be not as severe as the inciting episode? Should he be back on anti-psychotics as a precautionary measure? Does anyone have any
advice on non-chemical techniques for breaking the pattern before it evolves into a full-fledged episode? Thanks! Neal
Posted by banga on April 14, 2005, at 8:19:11
In reply to Relapsing Teen, posted by NDS on April 14, 2005, at 3:20:12
> My son suffered form Psychotic Depression in October, and over the past few weeks has been exhibiting signs of a possible relapse. We're talking to his psychiatrist and therapist, but I was wondering what experiences others out there have had with relapses. Should we be steeling ourselves for a more severe episode, or do relapses tend to be not as severe as the inciting episode? Should he be back on anti-psychotics as a precautionary measure? Does anyone have any
> advice on non-chemical techniques for breaking the pattern before it evolves into a full-fledged episode? Thanks! Neal
I do not have depression with psychosis, but I do have very severe depressive episodes (currently in remission).I dont think there is any definite pattern in depression, it can get worse over time....but especially given the support he has from you and caregivers, he may be more protected this time. What medications is he on now?
What do the doctor and therapist say? I would definitely think an antipsychotic would be helpful. A severe and scary event such as psychosis also leads to emotional scars. This is of course just a personal opinion, not an expert's advice.
What type of therapy is he receiving? You may want to check on the psychology board listed on this site...
Posted by Maxime on April 14, 2005, at 13:12:42
In reply to Re: Relapsing Teen, posted by banga on April 14, 2005, at 8:19:11
I agree with everything Banga said. I just wanted to add that my first pdoc I had, the one I trusted and respected the most, told me that if someone goes off antidepressants too soon (thinking that they are well), then the depression with come back and it will be worse. This is what she told me, so I don't know the medical literature out there says about it.
You might want to do some research yourself on the subject.
All the best to you and your family. And your son is very lucky to have parents who are keeping on top of things.
Maxime
> > My son suffered form Psychotic Depression in October, and over the past few weeks has been exhibiting signs of a possible relapse. We're talking to his psychiatrist and therapist, but I was wondering what experiences others out there have had with relapses. Should we be steeling ourselves for a more severe episode, or do relapses tend to be not as severe as the inciting episode? Should he be back on anti-psychotics as a precautionary measure? Does anyone have any
> > advice on non-chemical techniques for breaking the pattern before it evolves into a full-fledged episode? Thanks! Neal
>
>
> I do not have depression with psychosis, but I do have very severe depressive episodes (currently in remission).
>
> I dont think there is any definite pattern in depression, it can get worse over time....but especially given the support he has from you and caregivers, he may be more protected this time. What medications is he on now?
>
> What do the doctor and therapist say? I would definitely think an antipsychotic would be helpful. A severe and scary event such as psychosis also leads to emotional scars. This is of course just a personal opinion, not an expert's advice.
>
> What type of therapy is he receiving? You may want to check on the psychology board listed on this site...
>
Posted by nds on April 14, 2005, at 13:21:25
In reply to Re: Relapsing Teen, posted by Maxime on April 14, 2005, at 13:12:42
Thanks! He's still on prozac, but has been off of the anti-psychotics (zyprexa and Geodon) since early January). He's convinced that a lot of his symptoms were aggravated by those meds, as much as they were helped. Seeing how he responded to the anti-psychotics, his mother and I tend to agree that they're a double-edged sword. They shut down the delusions, but, for the most part, they shut down much of the rest of his mind as well. Our hope is that we can stem off this episode before his confusion and anxiety grow into delusions. In short, we're hoping he can get out of this before he needs zyprexa or geodon.
Posted by banga on April 14, 2005, at 14:46:04
In reply to Re: Relapsing Teen, posted by nds on April 14, 2005, at 13:21:25
What kind of dosage was he taking of the Geodon and Zyprexa? Can't remember is you said how much Prozac he is taking?
People can respond very differently to the various meds and varied dosage. I took Geodon for depression, intense anxiety and rumination--it helped but my head was in a fog. I now take Abilify--another atypical antipsychotic, and feel much better, after some initial problems with side effects, they subsided and now I have no side effects.
Another class of drugs to ask the doctors about are mood stabilizers. Lamictal, for instance, supposedly helps quite a bit with depression--might help him from falling into those lows.
Just some thoughts...
It could unfortunately be quite the process to find what helps him the most, like Maxime said he is ahead in the game because you are there to help him.
Posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2005, at 19:06:04
In reply to Re: Relapsing Teen, posted by banga on April 14, 2005, at 14:46:04
I too have been told or read that when a depression comes back it tends to be worse. So work with the pdoc and your son and try and get him back on track. Good luck. Fondly, Phillipa
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