Posted by JahL on August 10, 2004, at 16:54:46
In reply to Re: depersonalization help needed, posted by SLS on August 10, 2004, at 7:26:05
Hi Scott.
Hope this finds you better than the last time I spoke to you (a few times probably a couple of years ago - I don't expect you'd remember). ECT has well and truly brought me to my knees in the meantime.
Derealisation is actually the least of my problems. I experimented a great deal with hallucinogenics when self-medicating in my teens. I generally found the experiences to be pleasant and sometimes downright profound and so the surreal sensation of derealisation can be lived with.
Like yourself I suffer from early onset (age 7) Bipolar NOS (or are you II?), overlaid with profound, indomitable depression. I'm a lucky kinda guy so I also suffer from social phobia, GAD, severe agitation and the aforementioned derealisation.
I know you're particularly frustrated by cognitive retardation and boy can I empathise; my current working IQ is around 30-40 points down on my euthymic IQ. It's the single most frustrating aspect of my disorder.
Anyway, to yr post...
> > SSRIs just worsen my depersonalistion.
>
> I think I can understand how this might happen. Depersonalization might, in large part, be the result of chronic anxiety superimposed upon anhedonia.Mmm. Certainly anhedonia and complete mood unreactivity are a central feature of my disorder. I am pathologically bored.
My anxiety is chronic and presents itself mostly as acute social phobia.
>Prozac can produce both.
I agree. I've tried (for the appropriate time period) around 15 antidepressants and without exception, they have all worsened my condition, which would encompass anxiety and anhedonia. Interestingly, most antidepressants I have taken have worsened the derealisation almost instantly, with some being worse offenders than others, whilst the extra depression, as you say, does not normally kick in for a few weeks.
>The anxiety usually develops right away with Prozac. However, the anhedonia/apathy usually takes a few weeks or longer. The two together could make depersonalization worse, especially in the absence of an antidepressant/anxiolytic response.
Mmm. As I say, speaking for myself, the depersonalisation appears well before any anxiety...
> Have you ever focused on ameliorating the chronic anxiety?
Yeah, as I say in a post elsewhere, Sulpiride has been pretty effective (no complete remission tho') where *everything* else (55 meds and counting...) has failed. It is truly a lifesaver since I cannot function and interact socially w/o it.
> - Scott
Sorry this this is so long. It's just nice to see a familiar 'face'. I don't see anyone else from 'way back' here.
Best,
J.
poster:JahL
thread:374412
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040805/msgs/376100.html