Posted by Leighwit on April 25, 2002, at 12:18:02
Is dysphoria a diagnosis separate and distinct from major depression?
In Wednesday's Chicago Tribune there was an article ("Depression Can Leave Blind Spot for Support") which states: "... but when it comes to suffering from depression and dysphoria (a combination of anxiety, depression and irritability), ...."
I searched through past threads, but can find nothing that actually defines dysphoria ~ or addresses it as a particular condition.
Anxiety, depression, and irritability, however, is so much more specific than "major" recurrent clinical depression.
I have a hard time determining whether the anxiety and irritability are part of depression or entirely side effects of Wellbutrin. When I mention those symptoms, I'm always prescribed something to target them as side effects of the WB. Xanax, for example.
It's a vicious cycle. If I mention the primary symptoms of despair and lethargy (as in can't take a shower or get off the couch without planning it for three hours) I get a script for an AD that has energizing characteristics. I can't gain any weight (due to Type 1 Juvenile-onset diabetes) and virtually every SSRI, particularly Celexa caused weight gain in my case, so I've been on Wellbutrin a lot (off and on with and without SSRIs, Serzone, Norpramin/Desiprimine, Effexor and Reboxetine) over the past ten years.
If I mention irritability or anxiety to my current pDoc, she wants to prescribe Xanax on top of the WB.
I think dysphoria sounds much more "specific" to what I've had for ten years than does major depression alone. I feel like saying to the Pdoc: "I have a dysphoria and can't gain any weight. I'd prefer not to loose my memory or my IQ in the treatment process. What do you prescribe for that?"
Can anyone relate?
poster:Leighwit
thread:104108
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104108.html