comments from someone at work

[bb]

So I go back to work after an episode.  In the interview I get asked whether I went back to my doctors because im on medication and im still at risk of recurrent episodes. Im on top dose of citalopram , 40mg. I said no I didn't.  Ive excepted my recurrent depressive disorder and as I see things the tablets help 60% and the rest is down to me from what ive learnt from cbt. But im still at risk of depressive episodes as I cant control it 100%. Are work suggesting my medication isnt working properly or have I got a realistic idea that part of it is tablets & my coping strategies but im still at risk of episodes? 

[musicken]

It's hard to say, but from what you've said, it sounds like a standard back-to-work interview question.    Are Occupational Health involved at the moment? 


How do you find the citalopram?  Do you think it is making a difference? 

(I was on the maximum dosage and I ended up hating it for a number of reasons; partly libido related side effects but also my behaviour seemed to be different - I was more prone to risk-taking for example.  In the end I made the decision to stop citalopram and try something else.)

Hang in there!

[Catbrian]

What you say is very true, bb, although I would say most antidepressants contribute less than 60% of recovery, I'd put it more at 40% and the rest is down to our own coping skills.

I agree with musicken, that question sounds a standard OH question.  I imagine their concern might be more to do with the risk of recurrent episodes

I was on Citalopram for many years.  It was one of the better ones I've tried.  Most side effects of antidepressants subside after time, but we do all react differently.

Hope your return to work goes well