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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 34. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:06:42
I have been suffering from depression for a while. In the past three weeks I have been suffering horribly. I've isolated myself alone in my house, have only been able to go to work 5 out of 10 days, and have started using ilicit drugs for the first time. What do I address first?
Posted by fca on October 4, 2006, at 19:46:26
In reply to Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my house, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:06:42
The illict drugs--no matter how much they temporarily alleviate the depression/anxiety they just won't work for more than hours and probably come to bad end. Are you seeing anyone for meds--preferable a Pdoc. I was always able to leave the house but it took all the energy I had--fortunately I had a job where I could control my own hours.. Time for some professional help. Please update us
Posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:54:55
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by fca on October 4, 2006, at 19:46:26
I've been taking Lexapro for 2 yrs. - the Dr. has raised dosing twice in the past 4 months and then added Seroquel to get rid of insomnia. I also started counseling 2 weeks ago, but the third appt. was tonight and I couldn't go. My job is flexible too-however, I have to get there tomorrow.
I just can't figure out what is making me act this way....
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 20:34:32
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:54:55
I know what you mean in my case it's been building up over l0 years I fight it daily. Just go!!!! And let him know how bad it is. Oh I emphatise so much with you. Love Phillipa
Posted by fca on October 4, 2006, at 20:35:13
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:54:55
Sorry it is so difficult--are you going tomorrow. And, have you been candid with your doc and therapist as to how you are feeling. There are so many alternatives--one of the most obvious is augmenting the lexapro with one of the other reuptake inhibitors.
Posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 20:48:33
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by fca on October 4, 2006, at 20:35:13
I have been completely honest with the Dr.'s. It's like I am almost paralyzed. I've been awake since Tues. morning and haven't eaten since lunch yesterday. I am starting to wonder if the Lexapro and Seroquel (which was prescribed to augment Lexapro) are actually making things worse. I have to go tomorrow. It will be an incredible accomplishment if I wake up. After my insomnia bouts - I've been known to sleep 1-2 days.
Posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 21:08:02
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Siouxgie, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 20:34:32
> I know what you mean in my case it's been building up over l0 years I fight it daily. Just go!!!! And let him know how bad it is. Oh I emphatise so much with you. Love Phillipa
I have never heard of anyone that couldn't leave their house at will.
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 22:18:18
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Phillipa, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 21:08:02
It's called agoraphobia. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on October 4, 2006, at 22:41:25
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Phillipa, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 21:08:02
> >
>
> I have never heard of anyone that couldn't leave their house at will.Well, then let me tell you about me...
Wait! I guess Phillipa just did. I am agoraphobic. That means that sometimes I can't leave the house at all; other times I can go out, but only to "safe" places. It literally means "fear of the marketplace," and a lot of people get it about stores. It's not that uncommon.
Meanwhile, it's possible that the Lexapro and Seroquel are making things worse. Sometimes things that work at one dose don't work so well at higher doses. (And Lexapro can be "sedating" for some people. For me, at 10mg, I couldn't be bothered to talk. At all...) It's very possible that a different drug would help more at this point. It's also possible that adding something like Wellbutrin to a lower dose of Lexapro would work better for you. It's also possible that your doctor knows much better than I do, of course...
And I gotta agree with FCA -- he's one smart fellow, by the way -- the first issue is the illicit drugs. Aside from everything else, since you don't know what's actually in them, you don't know if they'll cross react with your licit drugs to create problems. At the risk of sounding naive, "just say no."
I hope that helps. Good luck.
And welcome to Babble!
Posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 23:14:38
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Siouxgie, posted by Phillipa on October 4, 2006, at 22:18:18
Racer you too? I didn't know. Love Phillipa
Posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 15:53:02
In reply to Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my house, posted by Siouxgie on October 4, 2006, at 19:06:42
> I have been suffering from depression for a while. In the past three weeks I have been suffering horribly. I've isolated myself alone in my house, have only been able to go to work 5 out of 10 days, and have started using ilicit drugs for the first time. What do I address first?
Do you feel better in the evening and worse in the morning? If anxiety your most prevalent symptom? Have you any benzos (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin?) if so they should/could help you sleep if taken before bed.
Posted by fca on October 5, 2006, at 18:17:43
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Siouxgie, posted by Racer on October 4, 2006, at 22:41:25
the kind words. I am not sure if I am one "smart fellow: but I have surely paid my dues as patient, professional and father. I do try and think about what I say--I am way past writing to see my self in print. I only wish I knew more. There are some great posters on this Board.
BTW Siouxge, did you get out of the house today--I thought of you an several ocassions--Is your therapy CBT and just out of perverse curiousity what illegal drugs were you using. Have you given any thought to bipolar disorder (mixed or rapid cycling), I ask that because of insomnia, panic and anxiety. Do not take this as a dx--much to speculative at this point Thanks fca
Posted by Siouxgie on October 5, 2006, at 22:27:54
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my house, posted by sregan on October 5, 2006, at 15:53:02
> > I have been suffering from depression for a while. In the past three weeks I have been suffering horribly. I've isolated myself alone in my house, have only been able to go to work 5 out of 10 days, and have started using ilicit drugs for the first time. What do I address first?
>
> Do you feel better in the evening and worse in the morning? If anxiety your most prevalent symptom? Have you any benzos (Valium, Xanax, Klonopin?) if so they should/could help you sleep if taken before bed.
>
> I don't really have worse or better times. Anxiety is the most prevalent symptom at this point. The Dr. prescribed Xanax when this all started. It didn't seem to work consistently. Sometimes I would take the prescribed dose and it wouldn't work-then I would double it - no effect. The next time I took it, it would make me sleep for 14 hours. So, I stopped taking it. I'm really at a loss about getting to sleep. I've cut out caffeine after 11 a.m., stopped watching TV before bed, tried baths, meditation tapes, etc. I think I am so worried about not sleeping that I don't.
Posted by Siouxgie on October 5, 2006, at 22:43:33
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-Racer, Thanks for, posted by fca on October 5, 2006, at 18:17:43
> the kind words. I am not sure if I am one "smart fellow: but I have surely paid my dues as patient, professional and father. I do try and think about what I say--I am way past writing to see my self in print. I only wish I knew more. There are some great posters on this Board.
>
> BTW Siouxge, did you get out of the house today--I thought of you an several ocassions--Is your therapy CBT and just out of perverse curiousity what illegal drugs were you using. Have you given any thought to bipolar disorder (mixed or rapid cycling), I ask that because of insomnia, panic and anxiety. Do not take this as a dx--much to speculative at this point Thanks fca
>
> I did get out of the house today, but it was a close one. I managed 2 hours sleep, but woke up late...which turned into an anxiety episode.I don't know what CBT is, please explain.
I was smoking pot to try to make me sleep, but it didn't work. I know it's not what people consider a "hard" drug, but I stand to lose a lot if I am drug-tested.
I was "labeled" with Major Depressive Disorder. I've been doing a lot of reading in the past few days and bi-polar doesn't describe my behavior.
It's definitely depression that manifests in two different ways with one common factor - isolation. The first is sadness and sleeping (and when I say sleeping-I mean 48 hours at a rip of sleep, not laying around and napping on and off). It seems that if I can't resolve it during or right after the sleep stage, it turns into insomnia and not eating. I really think the anxiety/panic comes from the insomnia.I thought about this site many times today and am sure that the fact I got feedback without judgement was part of the reason I got the gumption to move on today. I'm at my wits end with not being able to help myself.
Posted by fca on October 6, 2006, at 12:31:40
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-Racer, Thanks for, posted by Siouxgie on October 5, 2006, at 22:43:33
Siouxge--day by day huh. I do know how difficult it can be but you seem to be pulling an additional load. CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Treatment which is generally recognized as the most efficatious for anxiety disorders and depression. Involves very direct cognitive and behavioral restructuring. The anxiety and panic could certainly be aggravated by the insomnia. The only reson I mention the bipolar (mixed) is that it is aggravated by typical ADs which can easily lead to a type of hypomania. It is clear that any recovery plan has to forth rightly address the insomnia and sleeping patterns. No one knows better than you what you are experiencing. Please stay in touch and ask for any help we can offer. No one can be as helpful as a pdoc you trust. My Best fca
Posted by Squiggles on October 6, 2006, at 19:30:30
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my house, posted by Siouxgie on October 5, 2006, at 22:27:54
I hope a dr. can give you an antidepressant;
i can tell you that Xanax is for panic attacks,
and only lasts for 2-4 hrs. max; i would ask
for a longer-life benzo to go along with
an antidepressant;good luck - hope you see a good dr.
Squiggles
Posted by Declan on October 6, 2006, at 22:16:01
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-Racer, Thanks for, posted by Siouxgie on October 5, 2006, at 22:43:33
Isolation is for many the main feature of depression, IMO.
Posted by Phillipa on October 6, 2006, at 22:22:40
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Siouxgie, posted by Racer on October 4, 2006, at 22:41:25
Declan do you leave yours? Love Phillipa
Posted by getinwl72 on October 7, 2006, at 21:01:52
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Racer, posted by Phillipa on October 6, 2006, at 22:22:40
Posted by getinwl72 on October 7, 2006, at 21:12:00
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » Racer, posted by Phillipa on October 6, 2006, at 22:22:40
Hi, this is my first post. But I have been reading for months. I decided tonight I would join my fellow survivors and post. I, too have problems leaving the house. I want to, but I just cannot. I work from home and since I started a few years ago it has just made it worse for me. I have gotten dressed, gone to the mall, parked and just turned right around and not gone in. I once went to buy a television but was too afraid to ask someone for help to get it off the shelf for me, so I didn't buy it. I am avoiding all social situations. It has just gotten worse the older I get. It is a very sad way to live. I avoid all community and work functions because I feel different. I guess I just don't feel safe. I stopped walking in my neighborhood because I think my neighbors don't like me. But I shoudn't even care. I have gained weight as a result. I have just shut down. I wish I could find my way back to the world. I feel like I am just watching life happen for everyone else. I take Cymbalta 60mg, Topamax 100mg and Xanax 1mg for sleep(anxiety) in the evening. I also take Provigil for alertness as I have Multiple Scleroses and the Cymbalta makes me fatigue. I am actually going to start taking it at night. I refuse to take any medication that will cause weight gain. I have taken them all. I really feel like there are no options left for me. I do worry about my daily Xanax a little but I think with 1mg I am OK.
Posted by Phillipa on October 7, 2006, at 21:53:49
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by getinwl72 on October 7, 2006, at 21:12:00
I'm glad you posted maybe we can help each other. I do ride my bike when weather permits . But MS would hinder that wouldn't it? Babblemail me anytime and we can talk in private. Love Phillipa
Posted by Racer on October 8, 2006, at 1:51:58
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous, posted by getinwl72 on October 7, 2006, at 21:12:00
Welcome to Babble. I'm glad you came out of the shadows...
I've already posted that I have problems leaving the house, so this is offered as something that's helping me, not as a "well, it's easy" solution. I've started taking a few classes as a local junior college, as a reason to leave the house on a regular basis. I only take a couple of classes, but it does mean that a couple of times a week, I leave the house for a reason other than going to the doctor's or therapist's. That's reason enough for me to do it. It might help you, too. I'm taking maths classes, so I also have a reason to spend time in the math lab, which also helps keep me in contact with the world.
Something like that might be a good start for you, too. Aside from academic classes, you might consider things like ceramics -- which can sometimes be good for MS, I've heard. Then there are those classes like "film appreciation" which can be as demanding as you choose to make them.
Another thing that might help if you have the physical strength, is volunteering in an area that you feel strongly about. Volunteer at the local animal shelter, where you'd be interacting with humans secondarily to working with the beasties; volunteer at the local Boys and Girls club, helping with homework; be a docent at the local herpetological museum; be an usher at the opera (you get to see the opera, too!); there are as many opportunities for volunteering as there are interests.
Or, if that's too much, see if there are city walks in your area -- walking tours of sites of local interest. Those are one shot deals, which makes them easier.
Ah, I've got a million ideas -- none of which I have done anytime lately, but at least I've signed up for classes, and attend them...
Good luck to you, and welcome again to BabbleLand!
Posted by Squiggles on October 8, 2006, at 6:53:03
In reply to Re: Depression-Anxiety-Panic-I can't leave my hous » getinwl72, posted by Racer on October 8, 2006, at 1:51:58
I've been reading Robert Whitaker's book
"Mad in America" (a real test for
my drug), and have got to the point where
he criticizes Kraepelin in his categorization
of mental illness, by pointing to an
'epidemic' lasting about 20 years of
a condition called 'encephalitis lethargica'.This condition leads to organic brain
disease (a term i don't understand-- is
it different from inorganic brain disease for
example;). Anyway, this condition was around
Kraepelin's time and Whitaker's point is that
many of the patients Kraepelin studied were
not infact manics or schizophrenics, but
could have had this brain virus.As much as I appreciate his historical
description of mental health in America,
this point I think is dubious; and once again
Kraepelin did not distinguish schizophrenia
as unique from manic depression.
He thought schizophrenia was a species of paranoia
or extreme anxiety. I don't know who made
that distinction, but it was not him-- perhaps
it preceded him; maybe it was Freud.Squiggles
Posted by SLS on October 8, 2006, at 7:23:19
In reply to Encephalitis lethargica » Racer, posted by Squiggles on October 8, 2006, at 6:53:03
> As much as I appreciate his historical
> description of mental health in America,
> this point I think is dubious; and once again
> Kraepelin did not distinguish schizophrenia
> as unique from manic depression.
> He thought schizophrenia was a species of paranoia
> or extreme anxiety. I don't know who made
> that distinction, but it was not him-- perhaps
> it preceded him; maybe it was Freud.
Wikipedia is pretty cool, but it is a collaborative effort of the public, so you have to be careful."The term, dementia praecox, was first used to describe a psychotic disorder by the French physician Benedict-Augustin Morel in 1853,"
"Dementia praecox ("premature dementia") is a term popularized by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926) in 1896, to describe the condition that would eventually be labeled schizophrenia."
So now, I do understand that Kraeplin could have done anything he wanted to with this term. However, you are saying that he demoted it from being a separate disorder to being a part of a spectrum of some sort?
- Scott
Posted by SLS on October 8, 2006, at 7:44:12
In reply to Re: Encephalitis lethargica » Squiggles, posted by SLS on October 8, 2006, at 7:23:19
> > As much as I appreciate his historical
> > description of mental health in America,
> > this point I think is dubious; and once again
> > Kraepelin did not distinguish schizophrenia
> > as unique from manic depression.
> > He thought schizophrenia was a species of paranoia
> > or extreme anxiety. I don't know who made
> > that distinction, but it was not him-- perhaps
> > it preceded him; maybe it was Freud.
>
>
> Wikipedia is pretty cool, but it is a collaborative effort of the public, so you have to be careful.
>
> "The term, dementia praecox, was first used to describe a psychotic disorder by the French physician Benedict-Augustin Morel in 1853,"
>
> "Dementia praecox ("premature dementia") is a term popularized by German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926) in 1896, to describe the condition that would eventually be labeled schizophrenia."
>
> So now, I do understand that Kraeplin could have done anything he wanted to with this term. However, you are saying that he demoted it from being a separate disorder to being a part of a spectrum of some sort?
Now, I am a bit confused. Encyclopedia Britannica got it wrong? I hate it when things I learned in college become worthless. Seems like most of it.
"Kraepelin, Emil(born Feb. 15, 1856, Neustrelitz, Mecklenburg-Strelitz-died Oct. 7, 1926, Munich, Ger.) German psychiatrist. He taught at the Universities of Heidelberg and Munich, where he developed an influential classification system for mental illness, the Psychiatric Compendium (nine eds., 1883–1926). He was the first to distinguish (in 1899) between manic-depressive psychosis (bipolar disorder) and dementia praecox (schizophrenia), and the first to distinguish three clinical varieties of the latter: catatonia, hebephrenia, and paranoia. "
http://www.answers.com/topic/emil-kraepelin
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9046179/Emil-Kraepelin
- Scott
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