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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Addiction to Anti-Depressants
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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Addiction to Anti-Depressants
by Joy, Apr 11, 2000 12:00AM
I have a friend that is very obviusly addicted to Anti-Depressant (prescribed) medications. She is on more than one type, along with many other prescription medications. She shows signs of what I would consider paranoia, so voicing a concern promotes anger and lectures on conspiracies. She has become physical lately with throwing things, and breaking things within her reach when she gets upset. My question for you is: How can I go about getting this person help when she does not realize their is a quicky worsening problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I do no know where to turn. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Apr 13, 2000 12:00AM
Physical addiction to prescription antidepressant medications is not possible, but antidepressants may precipitate hypomanic or manic states. In these states, patients can have mood lability, irritability, and frank psychotic symptoms. Your friend will benefit from a thorough psychiatric evaluation, as successful treatment will be dictated by the correct diagnosis. If her behavior poses a danger to herself or others, and she refuses to seek psychiatric help despite your encouragement, you may call the police, or go to court and petition her for involuntary evaluation and treatment.
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