Anti-depressants/psychiatry

LegacyUser

Hey,

I've been on lexapro, effexor, valdoxan and cymbalta for depression and none of them have worked. I dont really know what to do now. My doctor referred me to a psychiatrist for treatment resistant depression and i'm waiting to get an appointment. I dont have a clue what a psychiatrist does, i presume just try a cocktail of drugs which i'm not sure i want to do, due to my experience with the last four not working.

so, any ideas?
What will a psychiatrist ask me? what does an appointment involve?
do people usually have to try so many anti-d's?

Silverfish

Mod note: Just a reminder folks, no medical advice.

Overheal

http://www.mentalhealthchannel.net/psychiatrist.shtml

LegacyUser

They will talk to you, take your history, details of problem, cause, effect etc. Meds tried to date.

Basically meds haven't worked so you need to get to the root of the problem. they will delve into your history. For you to benefit, you need to be 100% honest, deepest darkest worries and secrets. It can only benefit you. And yes, maybe your meds need juggling but really you will never get off them if you don't find the cause of your problem/s.

FoxT

I am wondering how you got to this point?

Did your depression develop spontaneously, or did you have a shock or bereavement in your life,or suffer some kind of rejection/abuse?
If this is the case, then perhaps counselling could help you address your personal issues around these particular incidents.


Do you get regular exercise?

Do you drink?

I am not a medic, and so cannot offer medical advice - but I can offer my own experience which is...

Drinking & lack of exercise, for me, can lead up cumulatively to being depressed. The symptoms can creep up slowly at first, but over a period of weeks can become very negative.

If you have not already done so, I would suggest you look at your overall lifestyle. Also, I have found having hobbies etc very helpful. This sounds very anorakky - and, indeed , there are some clubs I have joined which didnt work for me, for just that reason - but there are others where i have found energy & vibrancy which I continue to enjoy.

Best of luck,

- FoxT

RuthieC

Firstly, can I say fair f**ks to you! I've just started taking Lexapro and I'm struggling through the first weeks, so well done on sticking it out. My doctor talked to me about the route you are now taking, so by the sounds of things it's not an unusual path.

I used a psychiatrist in the UK, and she offered a combination of the medical and the psychological side of things. She was also able to provide a diagnosis. Unless you have a very clued-in GP, it's unlikely that they could offer comprehensive help when it comes to mental illness. The psychiatrist might see something else that your GP hasn't picked up on.

I think overall, what you're doing is incredibly positive. Talk about taking over the reigns! Keep going... don't give up now... you deserve to feel good xxx

Novella

drugsaintworkin wrote: »

What will a psychiatrist ask me?

They basically take a personal history - has anyone in your family suffered from mental illness, any traumatic events, do you drink/do drugs. There might be a quiz like, "Would you say you are more passive or aggressive?" etc.

what does an appointment involve?

It involves answering questions, talking about how you feel, how your illness is affecting you. That sort of thing.

do people usually have to try so many anti-d's?

Some people might find an anti-d that works for them first time, but it is definitely not unusual to have to chop and change to find a medication or a combination that works for you.

LegacyUser

The doc asks questions and takes an in depth history to find out what could be triggering your depression.

My experience is, yes they will ply you with differing cocktails of drugs to find ones that work.

professor frink

Mate well done for seeking out help in the first place. not everyone does so give yourself some prasie for that. Im on lexapro about 2 mths now. weird side effects for 3 wks but they went away and im feeling alot better.

Look at this way. antidepressions are only pain killers for me so a counsellor will help tackle the underlying issues. I decided to see someone about it and they have been great. the medication helps me through this period while i start to feel better btu im getting there.

I would have feared for my life if i didnt seek help. ALWAYS ALWAYS speak with someone. We all go through tough times in life so theres no shame in asking for help...