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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
anxiety v. depression v. akathisia
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
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.
anxiety v. depression v. akathisia
by hoopsguy, Jun 18, 2006 12:00AM
In Nov. 2005 I was diagnosed with NASH a liver condition which causes some fibrosis. I had no symptoms, it was discovered by routine blood work. I dont have cirrhosis and the doctors think my liver condition is stable. Nonetheless I freaked out at the diagnosis and became anxious and depressed. I was put on zoloft and klonopin/ativan. The zoloft seemed to make me more anxious... i had jerking in my body as i fell asleep. I was switched to celexa and the jerking went away, but i had an inner feeling of unease, unsteadiness and anxiety, which lasts to this day. I stopped the celexa about two months ago and two weeks ago was started on Lexapro. The inner uneasiness/anxiety feeling is still here. I feel unbalanced at times also. The feeling is with me most of the time and tends to make me less effective. MY doctor thought it might be GAD or mild akathisia. I am freaking out about these feelings and want to feel like my old self. I have done a lot of reading and see that Remeron might be a better anti depressant than lexapro for someone like me. Any suggestions?
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Jun 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 19, 2006 12:00AM
A few things to consider with your doctor...most of the antidepressants are metabolized in the liver, so be careful about the dose.. secondly, you might be better off with no antidepressant, and just the klonopin/ativan. Antidepressants tend to have a stimulating effect, which may be increasing your unease.
did you try going to cognitive therapy to target your anxiety at the root? I believe, that when catched on time, fears, anxieties, worries and all other disturbing emotions can be dealt with simple and natural methods. These include understanding the root of the problems, inducing positive thougths and blocking negative thoughts, relaxation and breathing excersises, healthy diet and regular physical exercises.
I'm sorry to hear that you have a kidney illness. This is something that would put anyone in the blues. Your body is currently under pressure to compensate for the disfunctions induced by it. You can help your body in this struggle by being supportive and loving soul. Don't put additional stress on it with the negative thoughts.
Accept the will of the God and be faithful and supportive and loving to yourself.
This way of thinking helped myself to overcome my panic disorder.
Take care