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Suggest Treatment For Depression While On Vyvanse
My 21 year old son has difficulty concentrating. He graduated from a college preparatory high school with B/C average (took advanced courses). After entering college to study computer science, his grades began to decline. At that time (two years ago) he was diagnosed with mild depression. About a year ago, he was tested for ADD; the results show a very mild form of ADD. He has absolutely no obvious symptoms of ADD like twitching, compulsiveness, uncontrollable behavior. His mild depression has gotten better, although at times, he has low moments. He no longer takes medication for depression. He only takes Vyvanse - low dosage 20 mg. He sees an ARNP (psychiatric specialty) for medication management. He sees a different provider for therapy/counseling. Unfortunately the counseling sessions are not working. My son still has serious problems with focusing. He s losing confidence with completing college degree due to his unsuccessful attempts. He is otherwise a bright student and very ambitious. We are trying to find out what other treatments are available - or -should we search for another mental health counselor/therapist? Please help. Thank you
Tue, 14 May 2019
Hi,
The most common modalities for depression remains drugs and psychotherapy.
As your son is already taking Vyvanse, it is good for both for ADD and depression. While drugs have their role in treatment, psychotherapy or talk therapy remains the mainstay. I suggest you focus on this therapy.
There are many forms of this, Interpersonal therapy focuses on problems in personal relationships and the skills needed to deal with these.
Various medication techniques are available to help the patient deal with outer circumstances with inner strength.
As a parent, you can gain his confidence and find out the root cause and factor for your son’s depression. Make him comfortable in his own skin and teach him the importance of acceptance.
There are many other things to do to feel good. Eating right, maintaining a healthy life style and setting up a routine for exercise. This is a vast project to combat depression that is interesting as the patient gets used to it.
There are many support groups both online and in the majority of areas. Make him join one. Make him focus on hobbies and help him relax his mind. The most important thing is family support.
There can be no therapist/counselor better than you for him. No one can guide and understand him more than you. With your due attention and support, he will be fine soon.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Maninder, General & Family Physician
The most common modalities for depression remains drugs and psychotherapy.
As your son is already taking Vyvanse, it is good for both for ADD and depression. While drugs have their role in treatment, psychotherapy or talk therapy remains the mainstay. I suggest you focus on this therapy.
There are many forms of this, Interpersonal therapy focuses on problems in personal relationships and the skills needed to deal with these.
Various medication techniques are available to help the patient deal with outer circumstances with inner strength.
As a parent, you can gain his confidence and find out the root cause and factor for your son’s depression. Make him comfortable in his own skin and teach him the importance of acceptance.
There are many other things to do to feel good. Eating right, maintaining a healthy life style and setting up a routine for exercise. This is a vast project to combat depression that is interesting as the patient gets used to it.
There are many support groups both online and in the majority of areas. Make him join one. Make him focus on hobbies and help him relax his mind. The most important thing is family support.
There can be no therapist/counselor better than you for him. No one can guide and understand him more than you. With your due attention and support, he will be fine soon.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Maninder, General & Family Physician
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