Dear Doctor: A Doctor Answers Questions
Antidepressants and weight gain: "I have been on a particular antidepressant (Mirtazapine) for a year and it has worked reasonably well. It is better than any other that I have tried anyway. However, since I have been on the antidepressant, I have put on more than 3 stone and have gone from being a healthy weight to overweight..."
Do self-help books really help?: "My GP has given me a list of books that I can find in my local library. These are supposedly called self-help books, but I’m a bit sceptical. How can reading a book help depression?"
Living with anxiety: "...I continue on medication but find that, though not depressed, I feel panic and anxiety when I wake up each morning in spite of the fact that I avoid caffeine. This lasts several hours. Why does this happen and is there anything I can do to lessen the sensation of worry?"
Coping with panic attacks: "I was recently diagnosed as having depression. That’s bad enough, but I’m having awful anxiety and panic attacks. I’m scared to go out of the house and just can’t cope with going shopping in the supermarket..."
Long-term use of antidepressants: "I've been taking anti-depressants for over three years now and I'm convinced they've quite literally proven to be a lifesaver. ...Is it safe for me to continue long term use of anti-depressants?"
How to help our daughter?: "My daughter, aged 21, has had depression for a few months now. We don’t know what to do to help her recover..."
Worried about other health problems: "I have read that having Depression might make those affected more at risk of certain physical illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease..."
Ask A Question
Do you have a question you want to ask a doctor? To ask a question anonymously, fill in the form below.
Please Note
This is not a crisis service. We will pass questions asked on to the doctor but he can't answer all enquiries received. However, the Depression Alliance Scotland Information Officers will send initial responses to Dear Doctor questions asked.
The doctor cannot send personal replies and his responses will be published on this page and in our newsletter. It would help us if you could tell us if you are happy for us to use your name or if you would prefer to have your question answered under a pseudonym.
If you don't want your question to be published, please use our contact form.