What are the methods for managing major depressive disorder?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a female, 18 years of age, 5'1", 160 lbs. I am currently on the medications Seroquel 50 mg and Remeron 45 mg. I have been diagnosed with the major depressive disorder (severe with psychotic features), and generalized anxiety disorder. I have been on multiple medications that have not helped me. These are Prozac, Zoloft, Clonidine, Buspar, Vistaril, Risperdal, Luvox, Remeron (currently on), Seroquel (currently on), and Cymbalta. I am reaching out because I am struggling a lot and I feel hopeless. I do not know what to do at this point. Some of my symptoms are crying multiple times a day every day, feeling extremely overwhelmed, no energy at all. I cannot stop my mind from racing and thinking about too much at once, and more. My anxiety is so severe that I cannot go anywhere alone, I sweat, my heart races, I panic. What should I do at this point? I have a 2-year-old little boy. I have had a very hard childhood and deal with a lot of those issues today. My father passed away from cancer and my mother abandoned my sisters and me for drugs. This has impacted me greatly.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The description given here about you and your symptoms are really thought-provoking for any psychologist. To know that you are already under treatment for MDD and GAD is depressive in itself because you are just 18. Over and above you went through an ordeal of negative life incidents and now you are with an infant whom you should take care of. I do understand. I would like to know that are you employed? How do you get the funds to live on and then for treatment? Do you have an own home to live?

The first step in any psychological disorder is to accept the disorder as it is and understand, the treatment process will be long enough. Understanding this aspect will help you overcome the depression associated with the thoughts regarding your disorders. Once you understand it, you worry less about it. These disorders are like any other physical endocrine disorders like diabetes, thyroid, etc. These physical disorders have to be maintained life-long with the help of medicines and the more you worry about them, you will lose your sleep, but worrying is of no use there. The same is applicable to you too. I suggest cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation therapy, and progressive counseling. Take care.