Struggle with mixed depression and anxiety symptoms. On Pristiq. Could I ask a doctor?
Patient: Depression and anxiety query:Hello, I have an extreme child trauma history of abuse, neglect and various others. Have come out with a mixture of diagnosis (mainly and in no particular order: Depression, Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive, Post Traumatic Stress and Borderline Traits). I have managed majority of these, but still struggle with Mixed- Depression and Anxiety symptoms. I have seen Psychiatrists this past year and have been on Pristiq for approximately 1 1/2 years now. I have tapered down from 150mg, to 100mg, to 50mg, to 25mg and have now come off of anti-depressants completely.I have very specific queries in regards to managing my symptoms. I wish to go on natural therapies mixed with Clinical Psychology treatment which I am currently in my 2nd year of therapy. I am starting on St. John Wort's in a few days once the Pristiq is out of my system. I have been researching DMAE and Niacin quite extensively, but just not sure where to take it from here and would like advice as to an experts opinion as to my best options. I do not use illicit drugs, use nicotine nor on any other prescription drugs. I do however, drink more than I'd like (3-4 times weekly, mainly weekends where intake is approx-5 s.d.). I have family history of depression, schizophrenia, bi-polar, anxiety, drug and alcohol addiction and abuse etc.If would really appreciate to have some advice from a professional in the field's recommendation. Doctor: Hi, I can understand your concern about medication.Considering strong family history,Drinking almost 3-4 times per week give indication that high possibility that you might be having underlying untreated psychiatric disorder.Such kind of illness is like Diabetes or Hypertension which can be only controlled on medication and not going to be completely cured.Most of time illness is episodic so you feel better in between episode and feels that you able to control your illness-but remember next time when it reappears it going to be more and more difficult to treat and resistant one.Ongoing continuous medication saves you from these fluctuation and helps to maintain your quality of life as normal as possible.Medicines are like specific extract from your natural product with avoiding amount of other chemicals which not going to needed for improving current illness.So its always advisable to continue medicine and  along with this continue psychotherapy from experts.Instead of mentioning name of psychiatric illness mentioning current disturbances will be  much helpful to advise any further management.Hope this will helps you.You can Post any further query if you have.