Posted by Scott L. Schofield on March 18, 2000, at 11:02:37
In reply to Re: Scott - retarded depression???, posted by CarolAnn on March 18, 2000, at 9:49:50
> Scott, forgive my ignorance, could you explain why your illness would be considered "retarded depression"? There's no way that someone as articulate as you could be mentally retarded.
I've got you fooled too. Flattery will get you everywhere.
> So, I assume that the word is being used in a different context. Would you mind outlining your basic symptoms, I'm wondering if they are similar to mine. Thank you! CarolAnn
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Dear CarolAnn,The term "retarded" is used here to mean "slowed" or "without energy". Atypical unipolar depression, and especially bipolar depression, tend to be of this type. Some of the features of a retarded-type depression include psychomotor retardation (not having enough energy to want to move - a tendency to move slowly or remain motionless), slow reaction-time, slowed speech, hypersomnia (sleeping too much), loss of libido, and anhedonia (reduction in the ability to experience pleasure). The degree of retardation is a good indicator of the severity of depression.
I have all of the above.
Wellbutrin, Effexor, Parnate, desipramine (Norpramin), and the psychostimulants are some of the drugs that are often chosen to treat depressions that display this symptom cluster. Lamictal is often helpful in bipolar disorder.
Do you experience any of these symptoms?
I'll try to help out in any way I can.
Sincerely,
Scott
poster:Scott L. Schofield
thread:27348
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27464.html