QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
What is your prescription for dysthymia? A family member was diagnosed with it and on Effexor for a few months. The Effexor worked effectively but the person will no longer take it. Instead they are taking St. John’s Wort. I think a prescription is necessary to get the desired results, but they refuse. Any suggestions?
Thanks for any information and your web site is very informative.
ANSWER:
To me Prozac has no equal for dysthymia. It’s also crucial to make all the other diagnoses and treat them. Anxiety and other problems can be somewhat depressing, which can trigger dysthymia. The screening test I use for my patients may be of significant use to you.