depression affected by dysautonomia?

Posted by molayne on July 22, 1999 at 13:53:02
i have posted several times and appreciate the info you have provided. i posted about "double depression" and the lack of results of medication thus far. well i saw my primary care dr today for followup of cardiac symptoms. he "thinks" i have dysautonomia. i have found info to lead me to believe that it may also be responsible for my inability to eat, and subsequent major loss of weight. i also believe that it is a major factor in the depression since i had the dysautonomia before the depression . my question is... can dysautonomia cause depression? will it effect treatment options (would one drug be more effective or a specific type of drug bring about faster relief of the symptoms? i'm having a hard time with this because the doc didn't say anything for over a year, and just let me slide in the meantime. i go to the phych tomorrow and i want any information i can get so i'll know what questions to ask. ihave to have some relief from the depression soon, and the course we're on (remeron 45MG) is not working. any info you can offer? as always, thanks in advance! and please hold a good thought for me.

Posted by HFHS MD-JM on July 27, 1999 at 09:10:19
Molayne,
       Can dysautonomia cause depression?  Dys autonomia is a non-descript diagnosis as you have used it.  It is a clinical condition in the case of familial dysautonomia or a state of function as in diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord lesions where one has impairment in the autonomic nervous system.  These conditions have been related to depression.
       Without more specific information, I can only speculate that there may in fact be a link in your case.  I recommend that you clarify this label of dysautonomia with your physician as it may impact on your treatment modality (medication, therapy). The information provided in this forum is for general educational purposes only.  Please discuss the specifics with your personal physician.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords:  Dysautonomia, depression