Posted by Simon Peak on March 27, 2001, at 18:27:06
In reply to Re: Dysthymia problems at university, posted by loosmrbls on March 27, 2001, at 11:19:18
Hi,
Thanks for the responses guys! It's always nice to hear ideas from other people.
I have considered the possibility that I might have cyclothymic disorder as there are definate mood shifts. I don't really have insomnia though, during the up phase, but I do not feel tired like when I am depressed. I also feel faster as though my actions have sped up dramatically. Next time I have an up period, I will take note of whether I feel agitated or not.
Mostly I am just depressed though. In fact, I think I might be more depressed than I realise. When I was talking to the counseller today, I was on the point of tears. I was telling him about how I can't feel great happiness, or even properly sad - for example when my cat was run over I felt like the news of that wasn't getting thru. It's like all my emotions are flattened severly. I really am in hell, but have just got used to it I suppose.
It does make me very sad that there are so many depressed people in the world, and that the cure is usually quite elusive. I wish to everyone who reads this happiness and joy!
Simon.
> It sounds like you may have cyclothymic disorder. Mania (especially hypomania) does not always have euphoria. Do you have agitation, irritability, or insomnia with your "good periods." The way you described them also makes them sound cyclical (every 6 weeks or so).
>
> Just a thought. If you continue to have poor responses to antidepressants, I would consider a mood stabilizer. Lithium is used to augment antidepressants in treatment-resistant unipolar depression anyway, so the "label" (bipolar verus depression)doesn't matter.
>
> Perhaps a trial of another antidepressant, and if that doesn't work maybe lithium or another mood stabilizer. That's my advice.
>
> Hope this helps.
poster:Simon Peak
thread:57650
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/57700.html