For Elderly, Antidepressants May Trump Psychotherapy

NY Times ^ | March 16, 2006 | BENEDICT CAREY

[vimto]

Thanks for a useful post.

I agree that medication can be poorly used.

It is the clinical end I am concerned about.

The effects of agitated depression (for instance) in the elderly is often fatal.

A part of the problem is that 'depression' is not any one thing but like arthritis has many manifestations.

I am a psychiatric nurse who never ever thought I would suffer form depression. After radical surgery for kidney tumor I found myself somewhere worse than the surgery ever took me. The residue is with me today but I fight against it with the help of therapy and drugs. I have still managed to start my own company and continue to pastor a small church. Much of the time I feel like crap due to mild depression - but that I cope with. Heck we've all got something to put up with. But the severity of the original attack was truly astounding and devastating. I do not ask for sympathy just that the condition is acknowledged as real and serious.

Kind regards,

[vimto]

Thanks for clearing that up - I'm in the UK and couldn't get your drift. Now I can.

There are to issues.

The first is - is clinical depression a serious and often fatal condition. Answer - yes.

The second is - should the government pay for it's treatment answer - ? for you clearly no, and that is honorable.

But I would urge you not to rubbish the former in order to justify the latter.

Kind regards as always

[PGalt]

Thanks for the ping. Interesting.

Two people very close to me used antidepressants. One committed suicide and the other is much healthier mentally since she has been off of them. I do not know anyone else who takes them on a daily basis.

I hope they help some people. My direct contact sample size is insignificant.

[thoughtomator]

With regards to depression itself, I have found that sympathy can be a driver and an enabler of depression... because it is pleasurable to be sympathized with, giving sympathy actually encourages the continuation of depressive behavior.

[verity]

Going "cold turkey" is a measure of one's fortitude. ;-)

[vimto]

I think you are right.

please note I said I do not want sympathy just an acknowledgment of the reality of the condition. And yes there are people who claim to be depressed but are not - and that makes it harder for people like me to get a voice heard.

I have a little personal crusade to get the profile of depression raised.

warm regards.

[technochick99]

But I would urge you not to rubbish the former in order to justify the latter.

Said only in the way a Brit could say it! Glad you have had such a success.

[technochick99]

With regards to depression itself, I have found that sympathy can be a driver and an enabler of depression...

Your insights are certainly worth the price.

[vimto]

that made me giggle...


kind regards,

[SupplySider]

Vitamin D!!!!

Right on. Vitamin D, walnuts, and exercise.

[Alouette]

Grandkids are better than prozac. Pets, too. Having something to do and knowing that you are loved is better than any drug.