Posted by Emily Elizabeth on June 18, 2005, at 9:40:40
In reply to typical duration of treatment?, posted by jessers11581 on June 17, 2005, at 16:16:02
I've been on meds for 3 yrs, but I'm still very depressed, so I'm likely to be on them for quite a while longer.
Research literature suggests that patients who have experienced a major depressive episode, should be stabilized (well) for a year before trying to go off of meds. I don't know if these sort of principles have been developed for other conditions.
Also, when you are getting off of meds, it is confusing as to whether symptoms are coming back, or if symptoms are withdrawal, so sometimes it can be hard to make the call.
Remind yourself that psychiatric meds are not about "weakness" or anything like that. You are treating a legitimate medical condition. Think about it like high blood pressure, or something like that.
Best,
EE
poster:Emily Elizabeth
thread:514406
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050617/msgs/514858.html