Talk to Psychiatry on Psychiatric
Asking for Self, Male, 21 years old, Kpk pakistan
I had used escitalopram for 1 month when I was not the patient of anxiety and depression but I had tapperd that since 3 month but I have now conditions that I can’t think clearly and positive I have no energy and I have savers headaches now what can I do now I use escitalopram or not
Asst. Prof. Dr. Ghulam Shabir Shaikh - Psychiatrist
MBBS , FCPS (Psychiatry) , DPM (Psychiatric Medicine) | Hyderabad
please read the following.. fill it then again ask question.. and send feed back..
Two-question screen for depression
During the past month, have you often been bothered by: No Yes
Little interest or pleasure in doing things
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless
Scoring: Any "yes" answer is "positive".
PHQ-9 depression questionnaire
Name: Date:
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by any of the following problems? Not at all Several days More than half the days Nearly every day
Little interest or pleasure in doing things 0 1 2 3
Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless 0 1 2 3
Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much 0 1 2 3
Feeling tired or having little energy 0 1 2 3
Poor appetite or overeating 0 1 2 3
Feeling bad about yourself, that you are a failure, or that you have let yourself or your family down 0 1 2 3
Trouble concentrating on things, such as reading the newspaper or watching television 0 1 2 3
Moving or speaking so slowly that other people could have noticed; or the opposite, being so fidgety or restless that you have been moving around a lot more than usual 0 1 2 3
Thoughts that you would be better off dead or of hurting yourself in some way 0 1 2 3
Total ___ = ___ + ___ + ___ + ___
PHQ-9 score ≥10: Likely major depression
Depression score ranges:
5 to 9: mild
10 to 14: moderate
15 to 19: moderately severe
≥20: severe
If you checked off any problems, how difficult have these problems made it for you to do your work, take care of things at home, or get along with other people?
Not difficult at all
___
Somewhat difficult
___
Very difficult
___
Extremely difficult
___
PHQ: Patient Health Questionnaire.
What is depression
Depression is a common medical condition that affects the chemistry and functioning of the brain. It can be time limited or, occasionally, become chronic.
Symptoms of depression
Depression can cause emotional symptoms, such as anger, anxiety, and sadness. It can also interfere with memory and concentration and cause physical symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of energy, and agitation. Depression can sometimes cause or worsen existing physical symptoms, such as headache, abdominal or other pain, and muscle tension. Suicidal thoughts and behavior may also occur.
Rationale for treatment
Depression is a treatable medical condition. Antidepressant medications and psychotherapy are evidence-based treatments that improve depression outcomes.
Benefits of antidepressant treatment and psychotherapy include symptom resolution, return to normal function, reduced risk of relapse, and potential improvement in outcomes of other chronic diseases (eg, diabetes and cardiovascular disease).
Earlier treatment may be more effective than delayed treatment in achieving remission.
Treatment options
Treatment options for depression include antidepressants, psychotherapy, or both. Exercise can also be effective.
Key points about psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is as effective as antidepressants for treating most cases of depression. Some types of psychotherapy with efficacy for treating depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and problem-solving therapy. Therapy can be short term (8 to 16 sessions).
Key points about taking antidepressants
Antidepressants need to be taken every day to work.
Discuss what time of day is best to take the medication and whether to take it with food.
Discuss ways to remember to take the medication.
Give specific instructions on when to increase the dose of the antidepressant. Discuss that most people start with a low dose and then gradually increase the dose to maximize its effectiveness.
Antidepressant side effects
Side effects with antidepressants are common during initial treatment, but many are minor and improve or resolve after the first 2 weeks.
Provide information about common side effects of the prescribed antidepressant.
For SSRIs/SNRIs: Discuss that antidepressants can transiently increase anxiety, agitation, and/or irritability. In young adults, they can occasionally increase suicidal thoughts. If these symptoms are severe or a marked departure from baseline symptoms, the patient should contact their clinician.
Time frame for response to treatment with antidepressants
Symptom improvement can occur as early as 1 to 2 weeks; however, for some patients, a response will require 6 to 12 weeks.
Some patients will not improve after 6 to 12 weeks and may need to try another antidepressant.
Duration of treatment with antidepressants
Patients should continue antidepressant treatment for at least 6 months after their symptoms return to baseline. Early discontinuation of antidepressants can increase the risk of relapse.
Tailor duration of antidepressant treatment to the individual patient. Dosing should aim to achieve a maximal, but well-tolerated, dose.
How to discontinue the antidepressant
Abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants occasionally causes withdrawal symptoms, especially in patients who have been taking the antidepressant for many months. Discontinuation symptoms do not indicate addiction or dependence.
Patients taking the antidepressant for more than 2 weeks should taper the dose. The rapidity of taper varies depending on the specific antidepressant and how long the patient has been taking the medication. It should be adjusted if patients develop symptoms during tapering. Patients taking the antidepressant for less than 2 weeks can stop without tapering.
Patients who decide to discontinue their antidepressant should contact their clinician to discuss how to do so.
When to contact the clinician
Patients should contact their clinician if:
They have more frequent or new onset of thoughts of death or thoughts of hurting themselves or someone else.
Symptoms or medication side effects are difficult to tolerate, especially worsened anxiety/agitation or insomnia.
They stop or are considering stopping depression medication or psychotherapy.
Symptoms are worsening or not getting better.
They become pregnant or are considering pregnancy.
Importance of follow-up
Follow-up is the key to the successful treatment of depression. Follow-up allows clinicians to monitor depressive symptoms, response to antidepressant therapy, and side effects. Patients should discuss when and how to follow up with their clinician and schedule regular appointments.
you can contact me I'll guide you inshaAllah you'll be fine soon
Dr. Samia Khan - Psychiatrist
MBBS, DCH, MS Clinical Psychology, MSc Psychology, MCPS Psychiatry | Lahore
11 Positive Reviews
You have mentioned that you took escitalopram for one month when you did not have any symptoms. Could you please guide me who recommended you this medicine and for what reason? Did you feel better after taking the medicine? Now you are having generalized weakness, brain fog, headache and negative thoughts. How is your sleep and your appitite? Do you feel sad or feel like crying? I would suggest that you book appointment with psychiatrist. They will assess your condition and may start Tablet Escitalopram if required. They may also attach you to a clinical psychologist for therapy if you are having active envoirnmental stressors. Starting or stopping psychotropic medication on your own is not advisable. Do Deep Breathing Exercises and go for a 30 minutes of walk in the park daily. You may contact my team and I, via Marham. We are here to help you. Get well soon.
Farhana Shams - Clinical Psychologist
BS.Hons (Psychology), Post Graduate Diploma (Clinical Psychologist), M.Phil (Applied Psychology) | Mansehra
115 Positive Reviews
why did you use those medicines when you had no symptoms of depression?
Benazir - Clinical Psychologist
BS. Applied Psychology, MS. Psychology | Rawalpindi
6 Positive Reviews
AP use nai krain phr dekhain kia changes atty Hain.. phr aista aista Kam krain.
Rizwan Ali Khan - Clinical Psychologist
| MSc (Psychology) | MS (Clinical Psychology) | Certified (Crucial Conversations) | | Lahore
41 Positive Reviews
Just click on the link https://www.marham.pk/doctors/lahore/psychologist/dr-rizwan-ali-khan
Rizwan Ali Khan - Clinical Psychologist
| MSc (Psychology) | MS (Clinical Psychology) | Certified (Crucial Conversations) | | Lahore
41 Positive Reviews
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