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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ~Gail~ on November 16, 1998, at 15:36:55
Hi, I understand we don't have tests for brain chemistry unbalances, but could a PET(positron emission tomography)scan be of any help? Also, are there any ways to raise up serotonin or norepinephrine levels without taking meds.? My thyroid med.(Levoxyl 0.075) worked for 2 years till another major depression in Jan. when I started taking Effexor XR 150mg. My Dx is Sever major Depression/possible Dysthymia. Also started a cholestrol lowering med. Lipitor(20mg) which I feel is responsible for my current suicidal state(it raises & lowers serotonin activity) though maybe, I'm not fully over the the depression from January. I just want to stop everything but my Thyriod med...couldn't feel much worse, though reading about Topamax & Celexa on here gives me a little hope if I do need to still take a medication : ( I would deeply appreciate any suggustions...Thank-you! PS I have tried Prozac(2years),Paxil,Luvox(rash),Serzone,Thorazine(over dosed as a teenager), EMDR(with a wonderful Dr.)
Posted by ~Gail~ on December 5, 1998, at 13:45:27
In reply to Serotonin/Norepinephrine... Can PET scan help?, posted by ~Gail~ on November 16, 1998, at 15:36:55
helping myself... found this site: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/24596.htm
Posted by saint james on December 31, 1998, at 0:49:35
In reply to Re: Serotonin/Norepinephrine... Can PET scan help?, posted by ~Gail~ on December 5, 1998, at 13:45:27
> helping myself... found this site: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/24596.htm
james here...
Well Serotonin/Norepinephrine are only a part of the picture in mood disorders...neurobiology is so very very complicated. S and N are NT's we know about but there is a lot else going on we don't. I take the position that if you clearly have depression what these levels are is not much use till we get the big picture of neurology. I do realize that many would find comfort it being able to say "Look...i got his lab test that says my NT's are low...that is why I am depressed."
james
Posted by Nancy on April 8, 1999, at 13:28:02
In reply to Re: Serotonin/Norepinephrine... Can PET scan help?, posted by saint james on December 31, 1998, at 0:49:35
> > helping myself... found this site: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/24596.htm
> james here...
> Well Serotonin/Norepinephrine are only a part of the picture in mood disorders...neurobiology is so very very complicated. S and N are NT's we know about but there is a lot else going on we don't. I take the position that if you clearly have depression what these levels are is not much use till we get the big picture of neurology. I do realize that many would find comfort it being able to say "Look...i got his lab test that says my NT's are low...that is why I am depressed."
> jamesHi James. You and I are on the same wavelength. I, too, am on the side of hard science. Affective disorders are dependent upon, both, neuroanatomy and biochemistry. For, it is not only either a lack of NT's or anomolous NT reuptake. Scientist must study other biological pathways. For instance, receptor sites at the afferent neuron. Also, the "kindling" that occurs in the limbic system of manic depressives. Such self-stimulation of neuronal kindling is something that is baffling to scientists.
There is so much more that all of us could be studying to enlighten ourselves. Learn for the sake of knowledge. Demystify and destigmatize affective disorders.
Respectfully,
Nancy
This is the end of the thread.
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