Posted by DSCH on October 3, 2003, at 13:10:41
In reply to Re: Li action, etc. » DSCH, posted by Penny on October 3, 2003, at 12:45:19
> > DIAGNOSIS
> >
> > Are you hypersomniac, insomniac, or bounce between those? You might want to see what the formal definitions of 'dysthymia' and 'cyclothymia' are to see if they fit well or not.
>
> I do cycle, but very rapidly, usually multiple times in a day and not with a definitive time schedule. My 'official' dx is Mood Disorders NOS. My former therapist dxed me with dysthymia and major depressive disorder recurrent. But even in my worst depressions (when I'm seriously suicidal), I'm still 'functioning' - i.e. I can still make myself go to work, walk the dogs, etc. I've never been affected by depression such that I can't get out of bed, though it's been hard at times. Still, even when I'm functioning, like I said, I will remain seriously suicidal, and I can appear fine (and feel *okay*) one minute and then my mood will crash at the drop of a hat - doesn't always have to be triggered - and I'll go from *okay* to *I think I'll kill myself.*OK, to me that sounds more like mood stabilizer or anticonvulsant territory rather than a tricyclic. But then I'm not a professional. :-)
I was achieving only very marginal functionality with reactive and generally not overly-depressed mood. Hypersomina was pretty consistent if I wasn't in a reactive panic mode. SSRIs made me complacent. Provigil kept me awake but didn't give me more focus. More dopaminergic and especially noradrenergic activity are what I believe I needed (and am fortunately getting more of now). :-) My latest combo is DLPA + multivitamin/mineral + tincture of yohimbe bark (+ grape seed extract, but I keep that going more for long term health benefit rather than any mood or energy/focus lift).
>Anyway, thanks for this! Fortunately, my pdoc is very well versed in polypharmacy and up-to-date on the latest research (he's a neuropsychiatrist and molecular geneticist). Doesn't tolerate major side effects with me and hasn't given up yet. I'm trying to hold out hope, and also trying to educate myself more on other possible meds.
Wow, that sounds pretty cool. How did you find him?
poster:DSCH
thread:264904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030928/msgs/265234.html