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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Edward on August 3, 2001, at 13:46:17
My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
Ed
Posted by Else on August 3, 2001, at 14:39:04
In reply to pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by Edward on August 3, 2001, at 13:46:17
Get a different doctor if you can. Dysthymia is treatable with meds, only it's more difficult to treat than Major Depression. Your pdoc is perhaps afraid of failure. Maybe that why he wont admit dysthymia is real. Drop him if you can.
> My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
>
> Ed
Posted by super on August 3, 2001, at 15:35:29
In reply to Re: pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia » Edward, posted by Else on August 3, 2001, at 14:39:04
Ed,
Even if you are "just dysthymic" now, it sounds like you did suffer from major depression at one point. So if I were you, I would stay on ADs. In any case, life is meant to be enjoyed and if you can find something to help you do that, then go for it. Find a new doc!> Get a different doctor if you can. Dysthymia is treatable with meds, only it's more difficult to treat than Major Depression. Your pdoc is perhaps afraid of failure. Maybe that why he wont admit dysthymia is real. Drop him if you can.
>
>
> > My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
> >
> > Ed
Posted by afatchic on August 3, 2001, at 16:41:48
In reply to pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by Edward on August 3, 2001, at 13:46:17
"Just" dysthymic? Dysthymia is very real and there ain't no just about it. I've had it all my life and never felt truly alive or happy until I started ADs. Dysthymia is treatable and SHOULD be treated. Don't give up, life can be better!
> My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
>
> Ed
Posted by JohnL on August 3, 2001, at 18:26:36
In reply to pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by Edward on August 3, 2001, at 13:46:17
> My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
>
> EdDysthymia is treatable, and your doc sounds like a cop out to me.
For successful treatment of dysthymia however, it needs to be viewed as a different monster than depression. Though they are similar, like cousins, they are also totally different beasts. Drugs that I have found, and seen, most useful for dysthymia are not the same drugs for depression.
John
Posted by Shar on August 3, 2001, at 19:14:17
In reply to Re: pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by JohnL on August 3, 2001, at 18:26:36
Ed,
In some ways I envy you, being 17 and learning about this stuff, and finding ways to treat dysthymia. That means when you find the right mix, you could even enjoy your 20's, 30's, and 40's---not look back at the 'lost decades' feeling like you have definitely done your pain quotient for this life.I am excited for you. Dysthymia (my dx) is treatable, & I have had pdocs who did not believe in it or at least said it is a fait accompli that my life will stay that way. No hope for improving.
HOWEVER, much to my great delight I found a pdoc who knows his meds, knows about treatment resistant despression, and put some thought into what might work for me (and I did research and made my suggestions as well).
DO PLEASE get a pdoc. You don't want your g.p. prescribing for you. Also, you may want to consider therapy, or a group, because I think it is easy to develop unhealthy thinking styles when you've been depressed your whole life, and therapy can help you get a handle on those things and improve them.
Wow! You DO have a chance at good, fun years!
It may take a while to find the right cocktail (it took me about 3-4 years). It may take you a lot less because you know so much already.
Good luck, Ed. I think I will live vicariously through you, so keep posting.
Shar
> > My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
> >
> > Ed
>
> Dysthymia is treatable, and your doc sounds like a cop out to me.
>
> For successful treatment of dysthymia however, it needs to be viewed as a different monster than depression. Though they are similar, like cousins, they are also totally different beasts. Drugs that I have found, and seen, most useful for dysthymia are not the same drugs for depression.
> John
Posted by Hattree on August 3, 2001, at 20:54:58
In reply to Re: pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by Shar on August 3, 2001, at 19:14:17
Curious, Shar. What potion finally worked for you. Still looking, here.
> Ed,
> In some ways I envy you, being 17 and learning about this stuff, and finding ways to treat dysthymia. That means when you find the right mix, you could even enjoy your 20's, 30's, and 40's---not look back at the 'lost decades' feeling like you have definitely done your pain quotient for this life.
>
> I am excited for you. Dysthymia (my dx) is treatable, & I have had pdocs who did not believe in it or at least said it is a fait accompli that my life will stay that way. No hope for improving.
>
> HOWEVER, much to my great delight I found a pdoc who knows his meds, knows about treatment resistant despression, and put some thought into what might work for me (and I did research and made my suggestions as well).
>
> DO PLEASE get a pdoc. You don't want your g.p. prescribing for you. Also, you may want to consider therapy, or a group, because I think it is easy to develop unhealthy thinking styles when you've been depressed your whole life, and therapy can help you get a handle on those things and improve them.
>
> Wow! You DO have a chance at good, fun years!
>
> It may take a while to find the right cocktail (it took me about 3-4 years). It may take you a lot less because you know so much already.
>
> Good luck, Ed. I think I will live vicariously through you, so keep posting.
>
> Shar
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > > My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
> > >
> > > Ed
> >
> > Dysthymia is treatable, and your doc sounds like a cop out to me.
> >
> > For successful treatment of dysthymia however, it needs to be viewed as a different monster than depression. Though they are similar, like cousins, they are also totally different beasts. Drugs that I have found, and seen, most useful for dysthymia are not the same drugs for depression.
> > John
Posted by Edward on August 4, 2001, at 18:13:36
In reply to Re: pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by Shar on August 3, 2001, at 19:14:17
> Also, you may want to consider therapy, or a group, because I think it is easy to develop unhealthy thinking styles when you've been depressed your whole life, and therapy can help you get a handle on those things and improve them.
Yes, I've had a bit of that at the mental hospital. I'm now thinking and behaving a lot more like a human.
> Good luck, Ed. I think I will live vicariously through you, so keep posting.
>
> SharThank you for caring,
Ed
Posted by KarenRB53 on June 26, 2006, at 13:32:36
In reply to Re: pdoc doesn't believe in dysthymia, posted by JohnL on August 3, 2001, at 18:26:36
> > My pdoc (that means psychiatrist, right?) doesn't think I'm depressed anymore, just dysthymic. He dismissed dysthymia as being "like eeyore" and "always looking on the black side of things" (sounds similar to some naive ideas about depression that we've all had to endure, I think). I'm leaving him and the mental hospital next friday, and I think I might be able to cope, but everything I read about dysthymia says it is a treatable illness. I'm only 17, but I feel completely bored with everything life has to offer. I don't think it will drive me to attempting suicide again, but shouldn't I demand a better life if there's one going? I'm might being seeing another pdoc anyway once I leave this one, so maybe the next guy will have different view. Or maybe not. Perhaps I won't see anyone at all. The question is, if I'm only dysthymic, should I ask for anti-depressants? I taken paroxetine, fluvoxamine and finally mirtazapine, the latter taking me through a bad patch. I have recently stopped taking it due to side effects, and the fact that I felt even more flat (although in a less unpleasant way to before). The more severe depression has not returned, but I am still finding life very dull and unsatisfying.
> >
> > Ed
>
> Dysthymia is treatable, and your doc sounds like a cop out to me.
>
> For successful treatment of dysthymia however, it needs to be viewed as a different monster than depression. Though they are similar, like cousins, they are also totally different beasts. Drugs that I have found, and seen, most useful for dysthymia are not the same drugs for depression.
> JohnHi John: Just wondering what meds you think are more useful for dysthymia.
Thanks, Karen
This is the end of the thread.
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