Undiagnosed - Am I just depressed?

[Lorimo1]

After seeing my neuro 9 times in the last year with no results - I went back to my primary care doctor who I trust. He listened carefully asking many questions about my symptoms. At the end he said - I think depression might be at the root of some of these problems. I agreed to change my very low dose of anxiety medication to something more comprehensive.

I went home and talked with my husband. He agrees with me that I'm not depressed (like I was many years ago). He described me as frustrated - which I agree with.

Did I cave in to soon? Or should I try the new meds and see if it helps?

[SNOOPY]

There can be numerous causes for MS type symptoms. At this time your Neurologist can find nothing to indicate you are dealing with MS.

It's very easy for doctors to label depression as the cause, sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. If you do it your doctors way (anti-depressant) and find there is no improvement you then have proof depression is not the problem and can be taken off the table...just my opinion

[mjan]

Well sorry for all you are struggling with. Sounds like you already know what depression is..or was for you. So..do you really have that? Or is it low energy/lethargy? I know I look depressed but I Am not. I even cry easily as I am just more labile..and I do get "waves" of sadness for NO reason..but it only lasts a few hours..usually gone by the next day.

Then there is frustration and disappointment..being beaten up emotionally from being on a neuro roller coaster..is disheartening..but NOT depression.

Having worked in mental health, I remember telling the treating psychiatrist who wondered why some patients' meds just aren't working.."well have you looked at their lives?" They just have too much on their plates.

Still docs like to know they CAN do something by writing a RX for it.. and when they can't or do not have an answer..they too are just stumped.

Do you feel these depressive symptoms are lasting more than 2 weeks? Problems with eating too much/too little? Sleeping too much or too little? Crying jags? Sad??

Stay with us..we'll go along this journey with you..as we truly understand..or try to anyway. Many of us have been on the diagnostic roller coaster..NOT FUN!

Hugs my dear new friend~ Jan

[Jules A]

If it is a neurologic condition it sounds like they aren't able to identify it yet but I think you are wise to take your physician's advice, try the antidepressant and go from there. It isn't unusual for depression to make huge alterations in someone's physical status and as I'm sure you know with a history it makes it very likely to resurface.

As a provider I'd also be a bit focused on the anxiety component. It sounds like you have a good relationship with your doctor so I'd trust him and give his suggestion a try. Good luck to you.

[Alicious]

Chances are that your symptoms aren't solely the product of depression or anxiety, but trying the meds can either rule it out or give you some relief, and both of those outcomes are good.

FWIW, Zoloft totally eliminated my fatigue issues. It turns out that they weren't from MS, but were caused by depression. That's just an anecdote, but all the same, I vote you give the meds a try.

[Lendi]

Plus, you can have depression/anxiety and another disease. With MS they have to rule things out before they can rule MS in. I'd give the med a chance and see what happens.

[cosake]

If it is not going to hurt anything, trying the meds could make a difference and/or could rule out depression as a cause.

Have you considered a second opinion with an MS specialist ?