Suggest Treatment For Persistent Depression And Mood Swings

Posted on Sun, 23 Apr 2017

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

Sun, 23 Apr 2017 Answered on

Sat, 20 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I am very confused about my moods since i was 19, and I am now 61. i have depressed times, terrible mood swings and low manic episodes. I have taken gabpentin for years. And I self medicate, I am usually not happy like I should be, my email is pinkribbon1955@gmail. i also am embarrassed to say that I do not have true empathy for others just myself, that is awful. Thanks for listening.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
These symptoms could be due to depression.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for asking from HCM your health related doubts

You are now 61 and you have mentioned that you are confused about your mood since when you were 19. You have depression symptoms, mood swings and sometimes low mania like symptoms. There is feeling that you are not completely happy. Lack of empathy is also there and this is your feeling.

First of all if these mood symptoms are not resulting in any impairment in your social, personal and occupational life then I don't think there is any need to for evaluation or to take any medicines. But if you are suffering in social, personal domains and in day to day things because of your mood then that should be evaluated.

You have mentioned that you lack true empathy towards others. Is this your observation or others are feeling like this too?

These symptoms are there and you have never taken treatment so these could be due to mild reactive depression or some personality issue. Still if you are seeing worsening in symptoms lately then you can take appointment from a psychiatrist near your place for evaluation.

Low dose antidepressants like Escitalopram or Fluoxetine can be used in your case and will definitely help in improving the mood. These drugs will reduce the anhedonia you are having. Keep yourself busy in some interesting things and exercise daily. Both these life style changes will definitely improve your mood.

Thanks. Take care

You are welcome to ask follow up doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)

thank you for your reply. i will try your suggestions and also see a doc close to me. For my information, this was only a one time question and please confirm that there will be no other $15.00 charges.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Yes this is one time. If you want more clarifications please contact customer care. No
need to worry.

Thanks and Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar