Posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 8:14:18
In reply to Re: The longest you have been off meds until repla, posted by SLS on July 13, 2006, at 8:05:36
> > I'm just curious as to the longest period of time any of you have functioned without meds until going into relapse and once again needing the intervention of meds
>
> 2 months.
>
> I was in remission for 6 months prior to the discontinuation of medication. They were discontinued due to the induction of mania.
>
> If someone is going to relapse, it usually occurs within 4 months. Thereafter, one is more likely to stay well for an extended period of time. However, it is imperative to protect the remission. This is best accomplished by reducing psychosocial stress and preventing those depressive styles of thinking that can trigger biological shifts towards a relapse. This might require some sort of psychotherapy and avoidance of external stressors.One can incease their chances of remaining well by continuing an effective treatment for a year or more and tapering medication very gradually to prevent a rebound depressive reaction. This is particularly important if the course of the illness has been recurrent.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:666628
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060709/msgs/666636.html