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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by brynb on May 9, 2013, at 14:05:15
I've posted a similar thread before, but what constitutes remission? For instance, I believe five years is the mark with certain cancers.
I know I'm far from remission, but I've been feeling good and as close to normal as I can remember for two weeks straight now (a long time for me to be stable). Prior to this, I was undergoing Ketamine treatment, which had helped, but I wasn't stable and had a lot of mood fluctuations.As of two weeks ago, I added Tramadol to my med regimen and began rTMS. Both seemingly worked quickly; I'm sleeping normally, getting out and pretty much functioning. I'm still having problems with motivation, but at least I'm making an effort. While I'm thrilled with this progress, I'm understandably concerned that it won't last as my last depressive funk lasted for months and I was getting slammed with a few depressive episodes a year. Could this new med combo and the rTMS (right off of Ketamine treatment) indeed be what I needed?
So, how long a period must one be ok to be in remission? I'm interested in hearing others' feedback and experiences.
Thanks.
-b
Posted by vbs on May 9, 2013, at 15:30:26
In reply to What's considered remission?, posted by brynb on May 9, 2013, at 14:05:15
I would think remission is at least a year of being symptom free. Congrats on feeling better. Hope it stays that way.
Posted by gadchik on May 9, 2013, at 15:52:03
In reply to What's considered remission?, posted by brynb on May 9, 2013, at 14:05:15
Ive been well since spring 2008, so in cancer speak, this is my 5th spring of being well. Ive gone 12 yrs before with no depression/anxiety. Im glad to hear you are doing well, and hopefully continue on this path. I do wish I didnt know just how bad it can get,though. But it makes you so happy to be at peace-for now...:)
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2013, at 17:09:12
In reply to What's considered remission?, posted by brynb on May 9, 2013, at 14:05:15
Somewhere I heard two years but not sure? Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2013, at 18:14:26
In reply to Re: What's considered remission? » brynb, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2013, at 17:09:12
No take it back it's when you feel like your normal and doing all the stuff you used to do
Posted by gadchik on May 10, 2013, at 6:46:54
In reply to Re: What's considered remission?, posted by Phillipa on May 9, 2013, at 18:14:26
Contentedness for an extended time, a year.
Posted by brynb on May 10, 2013, at 7:41:39
In reply to What's considered remission?, posted by brynb on May 9, 2013, at 14:05:15
I found the following on pubmed:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16390903
Based on this and some other sites, it doesn't seem to specify or matter all that much *how* long the period of remission time is. At least that's my understanding.
How many of you experienced extended periods (beyond 2 weeks) of remission from symptoms, even after years of struggling or years of trying to get it right? I haven't resumed "normal" activities (such as employment or having plans regularly), but my depressive symptoms have abated, and I can't remember having a good streak like this in over a year.
-b
Posted by vanvog on May 11, 2013, at 12:42:59
In reply to Re: What's considered remission?, posted by brynb on May 10, 2013, at 7:41:39
I think 6 months after full remission you are considered "recovered", you know how they want you to continue taking ADs 6 months after remission to prevent a relapse, this is probably based on some studies.
Posted by brynb on May 11, 2013, at 17:29:16
In reply to Re: What's considered remission?, posted by vanvog on May 11, 2013, at 12:42:59
> I think 6 months after full remission you are considered "recovered", you know how they want you to continue taking ADs 6 months after remission to prevent a relapse, this is probably based on some studies.
Thanks, vanvog. I can't see ever getting off meds, though. It seems way too dicey. I've also been on meds for years--I haven't been med-free in a very long time.
I would think most of us who have suffered for a long time probably stay on meds indefinitely to maintain remission...
-b
Posted by vanvog on May 11, 2013, at 18:03:38
In reply to Re: What's considered remission? » vanvog, posted by brynb on May 11, 2013, at 17:29:16
> I would think most of us who have suffered for a long time probably stay on meds indefinitely to maintain remission...
Stephen M. Stahl (The Prescriber's Guide) on Parnate:
>>
If It Works
-----------
The goal of treatment is complete
remission of current symptoms as well as
prevention of future relapsesTreatment most often reduces or even
eliminates symptoms, but not a cure since
symptoms can recur after medicine
stoppedContinue treatment until all symptoms are
gone (remission)Once symptoms gone, continue treating for
1 year for the first episode of depressionFor second and subsequent episodes of
depression, treatment may need to be
indefiniteUse in anxiety disorders may also need to
be indefinite
<<
Parnate is just an example here, it states the same for most other meds.
Posted by brynb on May 11, 2013, at 18:36:33
In reply to Re: What's considered remission?, posted by vanvog on May 11, 2013, at 18:03:38
> > I would think most of us who have suffered for a long time probably stay on meds indefinitely to maintain remission...
>
>
> Stephen M. Stahl (The Prescriber's Guide) on Parnate:
>
>
> >>
> If It Works
> -----------
> The goal of treatment is complete
> remission of current symptoms as well as
> prevention of future relapses
>
> Treatment most often reduces or even
> eliminates symptoms, but not a cure since
> symptoms can recur after medicine
> stopped
>
> Continue treatment until all symptoms are
> gone (remission)
>
> Once symptoms gone, continue treating for
> 1 year for the first episode of depression
>
> For second and subsequent episodes of
> depression, treatment may need to be
> indefinite
>
> Use in anxiety disorders may also need to
> be indefinite
> <<
>
>
> Parnate is just an example here, it states the same for most other meds.Thanks for the reference. I sort of figured that. Staying on meds is a small price to pay considering the alternative...
-b
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