Suggest Treatment For Depression And Anxiety

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Answered on

Fri, 26 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my name is XXXXXX, my daughter XXXXXXX has been diagnosed by her councilor with severe depression and anxiety. she recommends XXXXXXX not take anti depressants which I agree to but this has been going on for over 12 months now and is not getting any better. Just this morning I found scratches down her arm from where she has scratched herself with her broken phone the reason she gives its makes her feel better. She cries a lot one day happy next day hates herself . She says she has two voices in her head one saying she i worthless and the other she's a good person which she is. She doesn't drink or do drugs but I know a lot of her friends do. I've been prolonging the anti depressant for as long as I can. I don't know what to do anymore and she doesn't want to see that councilor anymore, shall I try a new one.
XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, try new one

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I have read your query and I can understand your concern.

She is having depression and is on treatment from counselor. It is common in depression to show behavior like dissatisfaction from therapist. She is having symptoms like scratching herself by broken phone, crying spells, feeling of worthlessness which should not be ignored. As per my opinion these symptoms need proper evaluation from a psychiatrist.

Though cognitive therapy by a counselor can help in improvement but persistent symptoms require treatment with medications.

You are trying to prolong her medicines but just to reassure you, I want to tell you that antidepressants are not bad drugs. They will not cause harm to her, instead will slow down the progression. Still even if you don't want to give her medicines even then at least take her to psychiatrist for evaluation.

Medicines like propranolol or low dose benzodiazepines can be given for SOS basis for control of severe anxiety and she will show improvement.

Talk to her, provide her warm support. Try to find out any unresolved conflict in her brain if any. A mother can become a good therapist also. Reassure her regularly and she will be alright.

Hope this helps you, ask again for more doubts and details of her treatment.

Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)

Can't antidepressants be addictive? She is 15

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not addictive

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

She is 15 so onset of depression at this age is not common. Probably her symptoms are due to some underlying anxiety. This could be treated with proper relaxation exercises and behavior therapy by a trained psychologist. Yoga and meditation help a lot in such symptoms.

Common antidepressants can be used as anti anxiety drugs. They are not addictive and can even used in children. Fluoxetine is approved for used in children. Consult a psychiatrist for prescription and evaluation. No need to fear from medicines.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Ask again for any unresolved doubt.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (4 minutes later)

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Provide her good care

Detailed Answer:
Continue to provide her support and she will be alright.

Thanks and take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju