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Mental Health  (Expert Forum)
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am I depressed?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.

am I depressed?

by Joyce, Oct 07, 1999 12:00AM
Iam a 33 yr old female with two children 10 yrs & 3 yrs. I have FMS (fibromyalgia)and hypothyroidism . My question is even though I don't feel sad or down or any of that stuff could I still be called depressed?

The reason I'm asking is I have been having weakness in my legs and arms to the point where its even diffucult to climb my stairs. I am tired all the time I could sleep for two days and still be tired and have this weakness. I have allot more symptoms but to long to bother you with. I'm most concerned about the weakness and fatigue because I have a three yr old and I'm finding it hard to really enjoy her because of this.Could this still be depression? By the way I'm on 20 mg prozac for the FMS. Thank you...

by HFHS MD - RG, Oct 11, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Joyce,



Depression varies in its presentation. Depressed mood most of the day is the most common. However, experiencing markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost, activities most of the day, nearly every day accompanied by fatigue, poor memory, somnolence, etc. may also be considered signs and symptoms of depression.



Depression may also be due by different causes. It may be primary depression or may be caused by a physical disorder like hypothyroidism.  Usually, once the hypothyroidism is treated, the symptoms of depression diminish. Some patients, however, continue to be depressed despite successful treatment of their thyroid problem and in this case, antidepressants are prescribed.



A re-consultation with your physician may be beneficial.



Sincerely,



HFHS MD - RG



*KEYWORD: HYPOTHYROIDISM

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