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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41
Hello!
Several years ago, when I was in college (~5/6 years), I experienced deep depression, including a lack of interest in my friends, hobbies, and my classwork. My classes suffered and I ended up spending an extra year in school to graduate. My depression was pretty bad and ultimately resulted in a physical fight with my roommate. Because of my deep depression and increasing cyclical irritability, I began seeing our campus counselor who assisted me with cognitive therapy and a gentle push out of my depression.
Ultimately, I ended up going to a psychiatrist (at the urging of my counselor and a very caring professor) to receive medications to assist with my general state of mind. Based on my deep depression and cyclical irritability/excitability, the psychiatrist prescribed me a good dose of lexapro/citalporam, coupled with lithium. On an as-needed basis, I take xanax and seroquel (for excitability and sleep-aid).
Thankfully, my condition has vastly improved and I no longer experience extended periods of depression. Ultimately, I am much more cognizant of my state of mind and have the ability to help curtail upcoming issues.
Since this time, I no longer see a therpist or the psychiatrist. I get my scripts from my family physician (whom I trust completely), but who followed the diagnosis I got many years ago from the psychiatrist.
I am now a professional who lives a relatively regular life. My issues arise on occasion--especially the irritability. My coworkers do not know anything of my diagnosis, but do understand that I have "anxiety issues" which sometimes hinder my performance. Other than these slight upticks in irritability, I feel regular and normal. I've never experienced the extreme cyclical behaviors of severe bp.
My current concern lies in my diagnosis and in my medication. Should I be re-evaluated to confirm the diagnosis? If my diagnosis changes, should I seek to modify my medication regimen? I don't want to take medications I don't need, but also do not want to risk the hazards of prolonged consumption of lithium and other psycho drugs.
I am not concerned with stigma and fully accept mental illness as a condition that needs attention and treatment. I just want to be accurately diagnosed and be on the appropriate medication.
Thanks in advance for your help and guidance.
Best,
Planner Dude
Posted by markwell on April 22, 2010, at 14:01:55
In reply to My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41
If you're feeling relatively well, why mess with anything? I'd stay the course particularly if you're not seeing a psychiatrist to help you with a change.
Posted by Phillipa on April 22, 2010, at 14:17:24
In reply to Re: My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by markwell on April 22, 2010, at 14:01:55
Oh I couldn't agree more how fortunate to be feeling well and functional. Congrats to you. Phillipa
Posted by stargazer2 on April 22, 2010, at 18:41:44
In reply to My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41
As the others have already said...do not mess with something that works and allows you to work and be a productive member of society. Too many here have long standing issues and are debilitated and cannot work or even experience a moderatively normal life. If any of your symptoms increase then you can always be evaluated at that time.
Or if you are truly a planner, get a good psychiatrist now while you are stable. It makes sense to do this while things are in good control and explain this to the psychiatrist. Ask for suggestions and tweak meds if you want but making any major change in a treatment plan that works relatively well would be a mistake. We all know that doing something like that can always put you into a downward spiral and if you haven't had the pleasure of that, be forewarned, we have all been there and are trying to protect you from that hellish experience.
Posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 19:28:28
In reply to My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41
Thank you all for your thoughts. As you all pointed out, I'm lucky not to be stable and not have any major issues at this point in time. As long as that is the case, I'll continue on as is.
But as a follow-up, does BP2 ever regress enough to not warrant any medication? Or is that too risky?
Thanks again for your help.
Posted by Hombre on April 22, 2010, at 19:49:33
In reply to My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 13:32:41
If you haven't checked it out already, Jim Phelps' site is pretty much mandatory reading:
http://www.psycheducation.org/index.html
It also provides information for your doctor in case they aren't too familiar with BP2.
Posted by desolationrower on April 23, 2010, at 17:57:17
In reply to Re: My Story . . . and My Questions, posted by plannerdude on April 22, 2010, at 19:28:28
i'd say mental illness often just goes away. obviously you won't often find people who feel 100% fine in places to discuss how to get better. having good social support/habits/cognitive tools can be enough.
if you aren't having any side effects from the medication, the only think i'd think about re:meds is the lithium. it can have good effects long-term, but can negatively effect kidney and thyroid function. a more moderate dose might be wise, if you aren't on a moderate dose.
there really isn't much evidence for long-term prophylaxis, or alternatively if long-term use of medications makes them less effective if you do hit another roadbump.
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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