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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 12:32:21
Hi,
Having suffered from difficult to treat depression now for the last five years, I'm wondering what the difference is between Treatment Resistant Depression and Dysthymia.
I believe that my basic, non drugged medicated mood is dysthymic, in that I'm able to function and work but feel empty most of the time, unable to reallly enjoy anything or be really interested in anything and most of the time I'm just faking it. When I go on holiday I just feel worse because I feel so empty and I often feel suicidal, either I just want to die or if somebody told me that I had only a few months to live it wouldn't really matter that much.
I'm scared that this is it for life.
Does anyone on this board know what the difference is between Dysthymia and Treatment Resistant Depression? Is there a difference?
Thanks.....Denise
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 13:22:34
In reply to Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 12:32:21
I believe dysthymia is just low grade depression. Doesn't always need to be treated. TRD is when nothing works I think. Love Phillipa ps or requires a lot of combos
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 28, 2007, at 14:36:45
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia??? » deniseuk190466, posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 13:22:34
I think Philipa said it in a nutshell. Dysthymia is like a low level chronic thing that doesn't stop you actually going to work, but stops you from leading a fulfilling life. I think I have dysthymia. I have no idea what works. Its pretty pants if you ask me.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 15:02:05
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by Meri-Tuuli on February 28, 2007, at 14:36:45
Hi,
Yes but it still needs to be treated with medication or something surely?
I mean who wants to live an empty, joyless, existance, inspite of being able to work. What's the point in money if you can't enjoy it?
If I thought I was going to feel like I do now for the rest of my life I really would seriously consider suicide.
Denise
Posted by Declan on February 28, 2007, at 17:55:51
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 15:02:05
Well, there's no point to life, is there?
It is what you make it, and there you are, up to your neck in it.
I think life is difficult whichever way you cut it, but there may be people (now that I mention it there are) who find it quite different, but anyway I don't know any of them (for long).
I think I have felt sad all my life, but not always scarily so.
But then I flatter myself that this is a rational response to life.
Not the most valid or the only one, to be sure.If you find anything that helps, please tell me.
Tianeptine helps me a bit....good to begin with.
Posted by Quintal on February 28, 2007, at 18:45:10
In reply to Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 12:32:21
Have you tried low dose amisulpride denise? It worked quite well for me for dysthymia, and it's licensed for that indication in Italy.
Q
Posted by bassman on February 28, 2007, at 20:11:35
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 15:02:05
Yes, it does need to be treated-often with the same meds as major depression:
Posted by Phillipa on February 28, 2007, at 20:34:56
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by bassman on February 28, 2007, at 20:11:35
Bassman wow I didn't have dysthymia all those years when my kids were young, during nursing school, modeling little things, and working at nursing and I liked my self-image and competence. You've made my day. Love Phillipa
Posted by Michael on February 28, 2007, at 21:36:06
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by bassman on February 28, 2007, at 20:11:35
> Yes, it does need to be treated-often with the same meds as major depression:
>
> http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/depression/dysthymia.htm
That is correct. The previous post by Quintal is also correct - Amisulpride was specifically approved for dysthymia in Italy (I believe 50 mg is the usual dose). Sulpiride 50-150 mg is also often useful. And as bassman said, the usual antidepressants used for major depression are also widely used for it.I'd say that TRD & Dysthymia are not the same thing. However, dysthymia can be treatment resistant, just as major depression can be.
And just like major depression, different meds work for different people. I have dysthymia, and have tried ssri's, cymbalta & effexor, TCA's, remeron, antipsychotics/neuroleptics (amisulpride & sulpiride) and an MAOI (parnate), as well as others...
For me, wellbutrin was the most helpfull. I'm now trying to augment it with abilify. (have augmented it w/stimulants in the past) It's a very stimulating combination for me, but that's what I need. Others with dysthymia no doubt find other meds to be more helpfull.
Unfortunately, it's like anything else... you can try to guess which meds will help, and try those first. But if they don't do it, you just keep trying different ones, and hope that you find one (or the combo) that works, sooner rather than later...
...don't know if that's any help. But don't give up - when you find the right one(s), it'll be worth it to you. Good luck -
michael
p.s. if you don't try amisulpride or sulpiride, (or if you do & they don't work) personally, I'd say try remeron and/or wellbutrin... (and possibly augment w/stimulants, or maybe abilify?) I think it's really a bit of crap shoot... but you do need to roll the dice.
Posted by Meri-Tuuli on March 1, 2007, at 14:14:31
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by deniseuk190466 on February 28, 2007, at 15:02:05
Hello!
> Yes but it still needs to be treated with medication or something surely?
Well its a personal choice. I've been med free for over a year now and I don't feel as bad as I would have imagined. I mean, on drugs I feel bad because of side effects etc etc and off drugs I feel bad too, so I'd rather feel bad 'emotionally' and be healthy physically and work on things with therapy for instance, rather than having to rely on a pill which makes me feel bad anyway. Or waste time, effort, money, finding a pill that works. Even if something did work (and tyrosine actually came very close) I doubt it would work long term - you know I'm 26 I can't imagine spending the rest of my life taking a pill. I stopped tyrosine after only one day actually.
Anyway thats not strictly true. I have taken a *tiny* about of oxazepam in the last couple of months 3 times. But still.
Posted by deniseuk190466 on March 5, 2007, at 14:10:30
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by Declan on February 28, 2007, at 17:55:51
Declan,
Yes I will be sure to, it's a long search though.
Denise
Posted by deniseuk190466 on March 5, 2007, at 14:11:51
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by Quintal on February 28, 2007, at 18:45:10
Hi Quintal,
I take Zyprexa 10mg now and again which helps but I have absolutely no motivation after I've taken it. It never used to affect me this way and I'm worried.
Does amilsupride affect you this way?
Thanks....Denise
Posted by deniseuk190466 on March 5, 2007, at 14:15:09
In reply to Re: Difference between TRD and Dysthymia???, posted by Michael on February 28, 2007, at 21:36:06
Thanks Michael, I take Zyprexa now and again which helps but after taking it I have absolutely 0 motivation and I'm worried because it never used to affect me this way.
Do you find the same with abilify?
Thanks....Denise
Posted by Michael on March 5, 2007, at 15:46:57
In reply to Michael, posted by deniseuk190466 on March 5, 2007, at 14:15:09
> Thanks Michael, I take Zyprexa now and again which helps but after taking it I have absolutely 0 motivation and I'm worried because it never used to affect me this way.
>
> Do you find the same with abilify?
>
> Thanks....DeniseI've just started taking it, so it's reall hard for me to say, as of now. I've only been taking it for a couple weeks... Sorry I can't tell you more.
michael
Posted by Quintal on March 5, 2007, at 17:36:02
In reply to To Quintal, posted by deniseuk190466 on March 5, 2007, at 14:11:51
Amisulpride has the opposite effect of antipsychotics in that at low doses it increases dopamine transmission, and therefore tneds to have a pro-motivational effect. It can be mildly euphoric in the beginning. It made me feel more energetic and confident.
Q
This is the end of the thread.
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