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Crohn's Inflammation and (social) anxiety

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Posted 1/31/2013 12:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hello everyone. I haven't posted in awhile but I've been a member here for years. My question is regarding anxiety with minor symptoms of depression. I'm wondering about the link between chronic inflammation and mood disorders, and if there is one? I would say I'm introverted but struggle in social situations, have a hard time speaking up in groups, fear, anxiety and a number of other things. I'd like to try an SSRI I think. Anyone here using a med combo for mood and Crohn's? Any one in particular better than the others? I'm first seeing my PCP and I can see a therapist as well and will probably do some self help. I just think I need a little boost. Any input will be greatly appreciated and if not thanks for listening :-)

MEDS:

75MG 6MP
Remicade at 7.5 ml/kg every 6-7 weeks
Vit supplements
Posted 1/31/2013 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
I think there's some evidence that Wellbutrin can put UC into remission.

You should see a psychiatrist to talk about the different SSRIs and how they might affect your gut.
Posted 1/31/2013 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Dana,
No big ideas about drugs here, but exercising is the only thing that keeps the white coats away for me. I can totally empathize as I am also introverted and when I'm down would rather hide under a rock. I do think it is a totally legitimate way to handle stress if that's how one is wired. No use in being hard on oneself for being an introvert, it has it's advantages at times. Hugs! Hope you feel better : )
Posted 1/31/2013 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
There does seem to be a link between depression and Crohn's. I'm too tired to even think right now, but in my case being a depressed introvert long pre-dated the Crohn's. If having Crohn's has made anything worse for me, it's anxiety rather than depression.

I've tried lots of SSRIs in the past. Had a bad reaction to them all; by 'bad' I mean worsening GI symptoms, such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting etc. I can tolerate venlafaxine (Effexor) and take that on and off. I don't honestly think it makes much difference to my mood, really, even when I stay on it consistently for weeks or months (if anything it seems to work best for the first few weeks and then wears off). It makes my mum and GP happier to think I am on something, so I go through phases of taking it.

Don't be put off by my bad reactions to the SSRIs, I don't think that's normal, even for a Crohnie. All you can really do is try them. They are not miracle cures for depression or anxiety, but I think after the initial optimism of the 90s and Prozac, this is well known by now. But some people reckon they help. They're worth a go, at any rate.
Posted 1/31/2013 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm pretty sure that with any chronic illness, depression is very common for many. big betty is correct, exercise can do wonders, you have to stick with it though, making it part of your lifestyle...well worth it since it can also aid with normal bowel function so it's good all around (physically and mentally/emotionally).
Posted 2/1/2013 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for the responses. I'm trying a few holistic things now, diet being one of them (cutting out sugar mostly). I know I need to work out :-) but being blah and tired a lot it gets challenging, good advice none-the-less and I appreciate the feedback. I've got some time to think about it :)
Posted 2/1/2013 4:16 AM (GMT 0)
You could have a read through this long thread... it's touches on it quite a bit.

[https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=38&m=2621363]

I was thinking about this the other day as well... I don't think GI's prepare new patients enough to deal with the depression aspects and I don't think patients bring it up much either with their GI's... sort of of a hidden aspect of the disease.

It's a shame actually - cause a little boost or inspiration sure can go a long way!

Even if it's just a simple smile

smilewinkgrin

Mark
Posted 2/2/2013 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
Oh thank you so much Mark! I'll check that out. I was interested in the connection of chronic inflammation to chemicals in the brain and if there is a connection. Looks like a good research project :) I know I feel bad at times and better at times. I like to hear from others, real world examples, and what we can do to get ourselves through the tough times. I love the support and encouragement I get from all of you :)
Posted 2/4/2013 11:26 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! I am not sure about the correlation, BUT I can tell you that I was on 6mp a few years ago and when my dr bumped the dosage to 75mg I started having severe panic attacks for no reason. It got so bad I didn't want to even leave the house! I stopped taking the 6mp and almost immediately, they stopped.

I am back on 6mp (going on 3 months now) and I'm scared it will happen again, but it kicked my Crohn's into remission previously, so I'm hoping it will do the same, but at a lower dosage. I have no idea if 6mp can cause depression, panic disorder, etc, but it did seem to be the cause for me.
Posted 2/28/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I have just been recently diagnosed with Crohn's but have been on Effexor XR for my anxiety for about 5 years now. I am not saying it is the right thing for you, but I have felt like the person I was always meant to be since I've been on it. I have had chronic constipation for the last 30 years, went through major fertility treatments last year which failed, and now am told I have Crohn's. I feel just like you a lot...I know I should work out more, eat even better than I already am, blah blah...but it is hard when you're so tired and down and feeling crappy. I would at least visit with your doctor about something for anxiety...stressing that it's ANXIETY to your doc, not depression. My slight depression disappeared when I got my anxiety under control. Just my two cents.....:-)
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