Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 12/30/2006

Question
Hello
I recently went to a the psyatric part of my hospital and met with somone who siadi had depression and anxiety disorder so im currently on meds for that (about a month now) it does make me feel a little happier i guess at times but does nothing for my anxiety. i was wonder if i listed you what i go through if you think depression and anxiety too or if you think somthing else in whise time i will seek other professional help. just kind of the checklist if seen of mental illness ill go through the ones in which i exspeiernce and how often, i feel depression on and off every day some better then others anywhere from min to hrs. anxiety is on and off everyday again from min to an hour, hard time falling to sleep and wake up 1-3 times and finally get up unrested, sometimes very irritable and antisocial feeling which is on and off when i feel but these two seem to be the ones improved my the meds so far so being "happy" at times, i have things i have to do like always make sure all text messages on my phone is erased or at times when i get a little energized (not sure if its axiety) ill clean my basement well i tend to isolate myself at times when friends are busy or somthing which makes depression worse at time/somtimes when they want to do stuff but not as much with the meds at times, dont like to party as much with my friend which i guess its a good thing, i cant read a lot because i have to read somthing like 6 times because i cant seem to concentrate (somtimes), at times get the up and down mood swing feel  happy and mad or jelous or sad or whatevr, i worry alot of homework(somtimes in a wierd way the meds seem to help in this too)worry about whatevr i have, about what people thing of how i walk talk dress(put on 3 diff shirts some morn cuz i dont look good. well i dont want to exceed the limit for this message to ill wrap it up. if you can give me any advise or thoughts at all i wold apprechate it.

thanks so much

hope to hear from you soon

Jon

Answer
Hi . . .

It is impossible for me to make a diagnosis of any sort from the information you provide. I think it is most important that you get consult a senior psychiatrist for a full psychiatric evaluation. Only after such an examination can a diagnosis be made. It is possible that you have a mood disorder and/or  an anxiety disorder and/or something else.

I'm sorry I cannot be more helpful.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%