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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Should Depression Causing Marital Problems Be Treated?

i think my wife is depressed. she has most of the symptoms, and my doctor agrees, along with 4 others in health care. we have been together for 20 years, she said her feelings changed and looks at me like a best friend, and not sexually anymore. sometimes her comments really hurt. she said there is no other guy. doesn't want tohave sex because she doesn't look at me like that anymore. it seems after our second child our sexlife went down hill. question: does she really feel like this, is it depression and what can i do. she refuses to take meds, very stubborn
Wed, 8 Apr 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

She is suffering from chronic depression and in chronic severe depression a number of somatic symptoms are seen. Decreased sexual interest, apathy, inability to find pleasure in sexual activities etc are common symptoms. Drugs used in depression (especially SSRIs and SNRIs) are also causative in reducing sexual interest. All these factors collectively are the probable reason for her weird behaviour about you. She might have developed depression with psychotic features which can be a reason for such behaviour. As per my opinion she needs treatment. She is refusing to take medicines so in such case either she can be given medicines without her knowledge or non-medicinal methods of treatment should be tried.

If you are her primary caregiver and her psychiatrist agrees then some medicines are available which can be given by mixing with food. Antipsychotic drugs like Olanzapine can act as mood stabiliser and can help her to come out of acute symptoms and then conventional antidepressants can be given. Though detailed evaluation by a psychiatrist to confirm her diagnosis is required.

Other option for her severe depression is Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is safe method reserved for severe depression. Consult her doctor for details.

Thanks, hope this helps you.

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Psychologist Dr. Psychologist K. V. Anand's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. Your statement is tricky. You wanted to say that your wife is not interested in having sex and She said her feelings changed and she looks at you as a good friend and these might be due to depression. You also state your doctor agrees with it. I sincerely disagree.

You can go through the symptoms of depression. such information is available all over internet and it is easy for you to analyze and conclude. Sexual Desire is directly linked to your emotions, so psychological and relationship factors always need to be considered. Hormonal changes happen during the period of approach to menopause can also reduce sexual desire. Please consult gynecologist. Take care.


If you require more of my help in this aspect, please use this URL. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Make sure that you include every minute details possible.

Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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How Should Depression Causing Marital Problems Be Treated?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM She is suffering from chronic depression and in chronic severe depression a number of somatic symptoms are seen. Decreased sexual interest, apathy, inability to find pleasure in sexual activities etc are common symptoms. Drugs used in depression (especially SSRIs and SNRIs) are also causative in reducing sexual interest. All these factors collectively are the probable reason for her weird behaviour about you. She might have developed depression with psychotic features which can be a reason for such behaviour. As per my opinion she needs treatment. She is refusing to take medicines so in such case either she can be given medicines without her knowledge or non-medicinal methods of treatment should be tried. If you are her primary caregiver and her psychiatrist agrees then some medicines are available which can be given by mixing with food. Antipsychotic drugs like Olanzapine can act as mood stabiliser and can help her to come out of acute symptoms and then conventional antidepressants can be given. Though detailed evaluation by a psychiatrist to confirm her diagnosis is required. Other option for her severe depression is Electro Convulsive Therapy (ECT). ECT is safe method reserved for severe depression. Consult her doctor for details. Thanks, hope this helps you.