Question 1

how long to take lithium as add on for severe recurrent major depression?

Accepted Answer

Lithium treatment: Lithium can be taken as long as necessary provided it is the primary med necessary to stabilize a person's recurring depression and is medically safe. Blood levels should be drawn periodically to monitor, eg., lithium levels, thyroid, kidney function. Close clinical supervision is essential to observe a pt's functioning and address any side effects, eg. tremor, weight gain which may occur.

Question 2

i do not have bipolar disorder. i do have recurrent major depression, severe. why would my psychiatrist prescribe lithium and geodon (ziprasidone)?

Accepted Answer

Mood disorder: Many argue that many cases of depression are a form of bipolar disease.  specially if your mood fluctuates.  instead of going from extreme highs to lows, you go from lows without going into highs,  so many treat depression as a form of bipolar disease.  What drugs you go on depends on how high or low you go.  I would have to know more about your case.

Question 3

how can i get help for severe guilt associated with major depression?

Accepted Answer

Accept help: This sounds like a very painful way to live. I recommend that you seek out a psychologist who provides cogntive behavioral therapy. You may or may not need psychotropic medication management. Acupuncture can also be a good adjunct. Getting help can improve the quality of your life.

Question 4

how do i not take the bait for my spouse blaming me for his recurrent resistant major depression. he says if he werrent married he would not have it.?

Accepted Answer

Not unusual: Unfortunately all too common for people with major depression or depressive cycle of bipolar disease to believe cause for depression is extrinsic, i.E person, circumstance like a business going sour or finacial loss. Rather than true intrinsic root cause.Don't take bait & insist on psychiatric consult or couple conselling & appropriate medication otherwise he may be forcing you out of the marriage.

Question 5

is this true that major depression can cause severe muscle tension ?

Accepted Answer

Depression and other: Psychological conditions including anxiety, panic attacks can cause muscle tension.Find ways to overcome these. Seek help from your dr. Hope u feel better!

Question 6

if someone is diagnosed with major depression recurrent and bpd.  is having suicidal thoughts and cutting often quite normal?  basically , weekly?

Accepted Answer

Typical, not normal: This is not "normal" behavior, suicidal thoughts and cutting are frequently seen with  depression and bpd.

Question 7

i've been taking effexor (venlafaxine) for about a year or so (diagnosed w/major depression & severe anxiety disorder) & i'm not happy w/it. other suggestions?

Accepted Answer

Many options: The problems of depression and anxiety often need medications but counseling is also helpful in successful treatment. If a medication does not work well, or causes side effects that are not tolerable, it is important to discuss with your physician about other choices. No blood test, or easy way of choosing the right med exists, but other classes of drugs like ssris, or adding a med may be needed.

Question 8

can you explain the difference between recurrent  major depression with mood lability and bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Good question: Sometimes bipolar is missed at 1st and seen as depression with mood swings. It may take a major manic episode for the true diagnosis to be clear. However, once a manic episode rears it's head it becomes clear. The person will go hours without sleep then crash, talk a mile a minute and have thoughts of grandeur, no 1 can keep up with them. During the depressive stages they R extremely sad.

Question 9

will major depression and anxiety go away on its own if not using medication? i've been fighting it 6 months now on my own and feel terrible.

Accepted Answer

Why not get help?: if you have been struggling with depression and anxiety for 6 months, why not get some help? I would try speaking with a psychologist to see if the symptoms decrease. If they do, you may not need medication. If they do not you can do a medication consult with a psychiatrist. Although depression does cycle 6 months is long enough to consider getting an evaluation and some professional guidance.

Question 10

major depression what is it?

Accepted Answer

Types of Depression: There are several types of depression.  Reactive depression occurs as a result of loss and eventually we adjust.  If one does not adjust or if the cause is not clear certainly seek professional help.  "feeling good" by david burns is an excellent self-help book based on science.  Major depression impacts job, marriage, social situations.  This needs to be treated ASAP.  Peace and good health.

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Doctor answers about:

Major depression severe recurrent

A member asked:

How long to take lithium as add on for severe recurrent major depression?

A member asked:

I do not have bipolar disorder. i do have recurrent major depression, severe. why would my psychiatrist prescribe lithium and geodon (ziprasidone)?

A member asked:

How can i get help for severe guilt associated with major depression?

A member asked:

How do i not take the bait for my spouse blaming me for his recurrent resistant major depression. he says if he werrent married he would not have it.?

A member asked:

Is this true that major depression can cause severe muscle tension ?

A member asked:

If someone is diagnosed with major depression recurrent and bpd. is having suicidal thoughts and cutting often quite normal? basically , weekly?

A member asked:

I've been taking effexor (venlafaxine) for about a year or so (diagnosed w/major depression & severe anxiety disorder) & i'm not happy w/it. other suggestions?

A member asked:

Can you explain the difference between recurrent major depression with mood lability and bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

Will major depression and anxiety go away on its own if not using medication? i've been fighting it 6 months now on my own and feel terrible.

A member asked:

Major depression what is it?

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