AGBF

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I saw a show on sixty minutes that had some new treatments for people that were very depressed in life. According to the Dr a region in the frontal cortex over produces a chemical that appears to be a strong factor in depression. In a group of patients they inserted a devise to inhibit the chemical production or just reduce it somewhat.. A good percentage improved a lot.

I wanted you to be aware of this new procedure, as I think you want want to keep it in mind as a possible for your daughter, who suffers greatly.

I want you to look it up, as I can't cut & paste or do the internet stuff. It was on cnbc(financial arm) or Sunday nite show within the last two weeks. I think you would be the type that would want to be up on the latest. It was such a good piece.

I hope you don't think this is too forward, but know I don't mean to offend or overstep. My sentence structure and/or grammar may not be correct. Please over look that.

Thanks,

Annette

 

[AGBF]

I saw a show on sixty minutes that had some new treatments for people that were very depressed in life. According to the Dr a region in the frontal cortex over produces a chemical that appears to be a strong factor in depression. In a group of patients they inserted a devise to inhibit the chemical production or just reduce it somewhat.. A good percentage improved a lot.

Thank you so much, Annette! I will definitely look this up. Although I am in the mental health field, I am not a medical person and I depend on my daughter's (excellent) psychiatrist to keep abreast of the new medications and scientific discoveries as they come out. I am only vaguely aware of the role of synapses, neurotransmitters, neurons, and serotonin and whether a person is likely to respond to an SSRI or an SNRI. I'm the one called in after the psychiatrist has spent his 15 minutes doing his med check and writing his script for the few weeks. In other words, I am unaware of this research and will look into it. Thanks again!

Best,
Deb/AGBF

 

[VRBeauty]

AGBF: I didn't realize you had someone in your life who is dealing with serious depression. Hugs and dust to you both, and to your daughter's medical team.

Earlier this year NPR ran some stories about recent research on depression treatments. If you can find a few minutes to listen to these, they might give you some hope... maybe even some options.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/201...epression-drugs-offer-hope-for-toughest-cases
http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/201...offer-almost-immediate-relief-from-depression

 

[AGBF]

AGBF: I didn't realize you had someone in your life who is dealing with serious depression. Hugs and dust to you both, and to your daughter's medical team.

Earlier this year NPR ran some stories about recent research on depression treatments. If you can find a few minutes to listen to these, they might give you some hope... maybe even some options.

Thank you, VRBeauty. The articles were fascinating and I hope (as I have always hoped) that the existence of a drug like this means that there is hope for the future. It is a bit ironic that my last full-time job before my daughter was born was working with the chronically mentally ill who had been discharged from mental hospitals and were now living in the community. (I am a social worker.) I never suspected that one day my daughter would have a mental illness.

She was a delightful baby and a happy, sunny liitle girl. Except for intense separation anxiety twice-once when she was three and started at her pre-school and then again when she was five and started at a new school for kindergarten-she showed few emotional problems. Growing up she was the easiest child in the world. I have repeatedly said that I never got a call from her elementary school. I was never called to be told she was highly gifted and should be put forward; I was never called to be told she had a deficit of any kind or had ever been naughty. Once I was called and asked if she could see the speech pathologist. I was told it wasn't a necessity, just an option and I said of course she could and she did! She played piano; cello; clarinet; and saxophone by the time she finished fifth grade!

In sixth grade things started to get a little odd. She was still happy, but she started to act strange with the boys. She was doing their homework, for one thing. (She had all A's in school except for a "C" in her advanced math class.) By seventh grade when she moved with us from one state to another, things crashed. I had her evaluated for depression by a psychiatrist. At that point the psychiatrist didn't think she even needed medication. Her first suicide attempt was at age 15.

I won't go into the whole story here, but it is all on Pricescope in dribs and drabs. At least a lot of it is. The worst thing is that she is not "simply" depressed. Something else is going on. It is chemical and, I suspect, genetic. It has not been officially labelled but I think anyone can see it is bi-polar illness. The only reason she is not on Lithium now is that it affected her thyroid. Nothing regulates her rages. She has assaulted me, although she absolutely adores me and needs me to tuck her into bed at night. In fact, among the things she did to me was to bite my hand so hard that it bled. I needed a tetanus shot. I don't think that will ever happen again because we have since called the police for an assault on another family member and even though she cannot control herself, she has not gotten physically violent again since then.

The reason my marriage fell apart is my daughter. My husband wants nothing to do with her. I didn't mean to tell my life story here. (Obviously. I didn't start this thread.) But I guess you got it!

I thank both you and Annette for helping me!

Hugs,
Deb/AGBF

 

[HollyS]

Saying prayers for you and your daughter; this is a lot to deal with.

If there is anything else that any of us can do for you, you have only to ask.

 

[iheartscience]

Hugs Deb...I hope you can find a treatment that will help your daughter return to her true self.

 

[Skippy123]

Oh Deb I didn't know you both were going through this. I will be sending good thoughts/healing thoughts your daughters way. sending lots of love too to both of you.

 

[Cluless]

Deb, I truley am sorry to hear of all your troubles. You mentioned it affected her thyroid are you sure it's not the other way around ...........the cause of her troubles is her thyroid. I would look into to it. Here is a good read,they say lithium regulates T3 please reaserch this if you haven't already.

Effects of TH Imbalance: Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is associated with a different set of symptoms. People with this disorder sleep with difficulty and sleep much less than normal. Unlike hypothyroid patients, they exhibit manic-depressive behavior as the TH levels drive their energy levels beyond their physical limits. In fact, thyroid hormone testing is routine at psychiatric admission for suspected manic-depressive patients. Lithium, a common treatment for manic-depression, is known to depress T3 in the brain back to normal levels

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/thyroid/overview.php

 

[Maisie]

I can't say anything helpful. I wish I could. But i'm sending you love and hugs and I hope you both find a way through this.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi Deb,

I went looking for the TV show I saw, but couldn't find it in the 60 minutes venue. I did think of you when viewed it. I am mad at myself for not posting it right away, but I didn't see your posts at that time. My memory keeps the basics, but not the particulars.
I have looked up implanted devises for depression and there are some, but this was different. This procedure seemed simpler, It has been done in Canada(more so there). I'll continue to look some each day. I'll try to find it.

I hope you don't feel all alone out there. It is a lot to deal with. A sick child in the home causes all sorts of emotional stress. And I do know. I have lost a child myself after a long illness. But, he is wrong to leave no matter what. We all have mini breakdowns in life, but we carry on to the best, or not, of our strength. I'm a believer in the chemical stuff and I also am a believer that we will find treatments for these ills.

I know you play music for yourself and your daughter. While I like music, I am drawn more to art in the form of paintings. Perhaps you can let her look thru a book from the library. It reaches deep.

Annette

 

[lulu]

Sorry to hear about this, Deb. I have struggled with depression my entire adult life and have tried so many different medications. They all help, but none of them can completely alleviate the problem.

Still, I consider myself blessed because, first of all, there are antidepressant medications, and secondly because I am not bipolar like my maternal grandmother. Of course, back in the forties and fifties they didn't call it that. She had "nervous breakdowns" and would improve for a time after electroshock therapy.

The ketamine research is very promising and I have discussed it with my psychiatrist. Medicine does keep advancing and it has certainly improved in my lifetime. When I started this journey there were only tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, so the SSRIs were a big step forward.

My grandmother could become violent too. Luckily she never injured herself or any one else. I know how heartbreaking this can be.

 

[hlmr]

Wow, that is tough, Deb. You are a strong woman, I tip my hat to you, and wish the best for you and your daughter.

 

[Lotus99]

So sorry to hear you're going through this, AGBF. I hope your daughter's doctor finds the right meds for her soon.

I lost my brother to depression (suicide) a few years ago, and depression isn't something I'll ever take lightly again. Your daughter is so lucky to have you looking out for her and helping her through this.

 

[texaskj]

Has anyone seen this PSA?
http://www.bringchange2mind.org/videos/entry/change-a-mind-about-mental-illness

I really liked it. I've always liked Glenn Close. My favorite grandparent was bi-polar. The only thing they ever tried on her was lithium and she always stopped taking it when she felt better. She would get pretty bad and had to have electroshock about five times that I can remember. She got Parkinson's later in life and from what I could dig up online, they just fed off each other and sped up her death. There's so much medical science needs to learn about mental illness, but it's not as sexy as cancer or AIDS. (Not to downplay those.)
Deb, my heart goes out to you.

 

[AGBF]

Has anyone seen this PSA?
http://www.bringchange2mind.org/videos/entry/change-a-mind-about-mental-illness

I really liked it. I've always liked Glenn Close. My favorite grandparent was bi-polar. The only thing they ever tried on her was lithium and she always stopped taking it when she felt better. She would get pretty bad and had to have electroshock about five times that I can remember. She got Parkinson's later in life and from what I could dig up online, they just fed off each other and sped up her death. There's so much medical science needs to learn about mental illness, but it's not as sexy as cancer or AIDS. (Not to downplay those.)
Deb, my heart goes out to you.

I loved that video, texaskj. Thanks for sharing it! Short, but very, very sweet! And I am sorry that there wasn't more help for your grandparent. My father often quotes someone who recently said, "psychiatry is an infant science". It truly is! What we don't know is enormous.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[movie zombie]

deb, some years ago i read an interview with a very highly religous couple in the sacrmanto california area. their son was much as you describe your daughter. the state was going to place him in a facility as he was dangerous to his parents and no medication was helping him to control himself. these people are entirely against illicit drugs. but they did not want to see their son institutionalized and decided to try marijuana for him.

they are still against illegal drugs but have joined the medical marijuana movement. it made such a difference for him. it was definitely something chemical and modern medical phamaceuticals could not do for him what medical marijuana does. i wish i could find the interview for you. however, there is a lot re bi-polar and marijuana on the internet. i'm not suggesting that you and/or your daughter do anything illegal but i do suggest looking at any and all possible solutions. from what i've read there is absolutely no way anyone can understand just how devastating it is for someone to go through this, not being able to control themselves and hurting the ones they love and who love them. si wish you and your daughter the best.

 

[AGBF]

they are still against illegal drugs but have joined the medical marijuana movement. it made such a difference for him. it was definitely something chemical and modern medical phamaceuticals could not do for him what medical marijuana does. i wish i could find the interview for you. however, there is a lot re bi-polar and marijuana on the internet. i'm not suggesting that you and/or your daughter do anything illegal but i do suggest looking at any and all possible solutions.

MZ-

I have been far too humbled by my daughter's illness to dismiss almost anything out of hand, certainly not medical marijuana if it were legal! It just made me laugh at the irony of my daughter's one remaining virtue from her upbringing being that she didn't start to smoke cigarettes; drink; or take drugs like all the other kids at the horrible alternative schools at which she was placed because no one knew where else to put her as an emotionally disturbed special education high school student except with the juvenile delinquents. Her rages made her fit in with them, but most of them were from the ghetto and this kid who had grown up wearing Lilly Pulitzer and hearing debates over grammar between her parents was soon using urban slang I couldn't decipher! Is she now going to start on drugs, too? Just kidding!

Deb

 

[movie zombie]

i think that is what happened to that religious anti-drug couple: humbled.

i love that you've got a sense of humor through it all!

 

[cm366]

AGBF - I'm so sorry to hear you're having these troubles, and wish you and your daughter all the best!

MZ, I haven't looked for the story in question, but it's worth pointing out that marijuana use has been linked to increased rates of schizophrenia - would hate to trade one problem for another!

 

[AGBF]

Saying prayers for you and your daughter; this is a lot to deal with.

If there is anything else that any of us can do for you, you have only to ask.

I have had some time to reread this thread and have found it very moving. Thank you, Holly. I have loved you for years. Prayers are always welcome, my friend!

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

Hugs Deb...I hope you can find a treatment that will help your daughter return to her true self.

Thank you, thing2. That's how I think of my daughter...having her "true self" somewhere inside her. After she gets over one of her rages she will be like a little child wanting, "mommy". She actually calls me that. She cried hysterically all night when she was locked in the behavioral health unit at the local hospital and didn't have the appropriate medication to help her sleep while she was being committed to a psychiatric hospital recently. She is as innocent as a child of the consequences of her rages when she is in them. She doesn't believe what terrible things can happen to her and to people she loves if she acts on impulse. But inside her is still the little girl I raised, the little girl who cried when we read a book and the skunk had no friends. (The other animals didn't like him.) The little girl who was traumatized by the video of, "Land Before Time" because one character lost his (or her) mother!

Deb

 

[AGBF]

Oh Deb I didn't know you both were going through this. I will be sending good thoughts/healing thoughts your daughters way. sending lots of love too to both of you.

Thanks, Skippy. You are the sweetest. I always know you are there. I always feel I can reach out to you.

Love,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

Deb, I truley am sorry to hear of all your troubles. You mentioned it affected her thyroid are you sure it's not the other way around ...........the cause of her troubles is her thyroid. I would look into to it. Here is a good read,they say lithium regulates T3 please reaserch this if you haven't already.

Thank you for your suggestion, Clueless. We are looking into my daughter's thyroid, although I do not think it was problematic prior to her use of Lithium. I appreciate your scientific input. As I said, that is not my strength and I welcome any information that others have. You were kind to take the time to post.

Hugs,
Deb/AGBF

 

[AGBF]

I can't say anything helpful. I wish I could. But i'm sending you love and hugs and I hope you both find a way through this.

I find warmth and support very helpful, Maisie. Thank you for your kindness.

Love,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

I went looking for the TV show I saw, but couldn't find it in the 60 minutes venue. I did think of you when viewed it. I am mad at myself for not posting it right away, but I didn't see your posts at that time. My memory keeps the basics, but not the particulars.
I have looked up implanted devises for depression and there are some, but this was different. This procedure seemed simpler, It has been done in Canada(more so there). I'll continue to look some each day. I'll try to find it.

I hope you don't feel all alone out there. It is a lot to deal with. A sick child in the home causes all sorts of emotional stress. And I do know. I have lost a child myself after a long illness. But, he is wrong to leave no matter what. We all have mini breakdowns in life, but we carry on to the best, or not, of our strength. I'm a believer in the chemical stuff and I also am a believer that we will find treatments for these ills.

I know you play music for yourself and your daughter. While I like music, I am drawn more to art in the form of paintings. Perhaps you can let her look thru a book from the library. It reaches deep.

Annette,

You were the one who thought of me out of the blue! Thank you so much! Don't for a moment think that you had some duty to post anything at all, never mind to post something earlier than you did!!!

I am so sorry for your own loss. If you want to share about it-here or ever-believe me, you will have my rapt attention.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

Sorry to hear about this, Deb. I have struggled with depression my entire adult life and have tried so many different medications. They all help, but none of them can completely alleviate the problem.

Still, I consider myself blessed because, first of all, there are antidepressant medications, and secondly because I am not bipolar like my maternal grandmother. Of course, back in the forties and fifties they didn't call it that. She had "nervous breakdowns" and would improve for a time after electroshock therapy.

The ketamine research is very promising and I have discussed it with my psychiatrist. Medicine does keep advancing and it has certainly improved in my lifetime. When I started this journey there were only tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, so the SSRIs were a big step forward.

My grandmother could become violent too. Luckily she never injured herself or any one else. I know how heartbreaking this can be.

I am sorry to hear of your own struggles, lulu. I am especially sorry that, to date, none of the medications is completely efficacious. I hope that one will soon be found that is perfect for you and completely removes your symptoms. And then I hope for a cure!

Like you, I have followed the progress of psychotropic medications over my own lifetime and they have come very far indeed. I am unsure that most people realize how far they must yet go, however. The way medication is tried would be comical if it wasn't so tragic. Psychiatrists try this and then try that...because it is all they can do, not because they are stupid or ill-trained. The best and the brightest are still hemmed in by the limits of science. What we don't yet know, we don't yet know. And a psychiatrist cannot know with 100% certainty if a medication at a certain dosage will have the effect he or she desires on a patient without trying it.

Thank you for sharing your story.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

Wow, that is tough, Deb. You are a strong woman, I tip my hat to you, and wish the best for you and your daughter.

Thanks, Heather. I appreciate your kind words. I'm not sure how strong I am; I just don't have a lot of choice! But I'll take any compliments I can while I have the chance to grab them!!!

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

So sorry to hear you're going through this, AGBF. I hope your daughter's doctor finds the right meds for her soon.

I lost my brother to depression (suicide) a few years ago, and depression isn't something I'll ever take lightly again. Your daughter is so lucky to have you looking out for her and helping her through this.

I am very sorry to hear about your brother, Lotus. What a tragic loss! A suicide leaves everyone feeling he could have done something (when he couldn't) and looking at the lost potential of the person who took his life. That adds so much to the grief of loss of the person from one's life! My heart goes out to you.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

AGBF - I'm so sorry to hear you're having these troubles, and wish you and your daughter all the best!

Thank you for your good wishes, cm366.

Best,
Deb/AGBF

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I FOUND IT. I now realize your daughter has a bi-polar disorder, not depression. But if you put "Canadian implants for depression" in your search engine, it will come up. Its experimental, but looks promising for certain types of depression. I don't know where I saw this on TV, but I am always amazed at the new things that are being developed each day.

It doesn't hurt to have people on the lookout for the new meds that come along. Hope none of this caused you any pain.

Annette