Depression Vs. Aspergers - Is there hope ?

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So, I've been diagnosed with depression, which can be traced back to early childhood (6-7) though it has worsened along with my life situation. I've always known somehow that I had a hard time feeling joy - everyone around me would get excited about the smallest things and would have a a constant grin on their face. I was never open about it - mind you I'm extremely introvert and never talk about personal things like feelings- and when 'forced' to do so (by doctors/psychs) my eyes start watering - in fact it's the only occasion in which I 'cry' in front of others. However it has come to a point where depression is holding me back, its become a major obstacle in my life. I'm unable to pursue interests, and my obsessions - in general, are short lived, not very common for an aspie. I rarely go out anymore, have a disturbed sleep pattern, pain in my limbs which may be due to depression. I feel that my life holds nothing for me but pain and suffering, that my excistense has no purpose or worth. And in general, it's making my AS harder to tackle. Weeks ago, I went to see a doctor - after several consultations I was diagnosed with depression. My doctor however, refused to prescribe medications until we agreed on a treatment program - I'm fine with this, but each sessions costs about 20 $, and with no job/parents willing to pay I can't afford this. Also he recommended I'd go to a psych. for therapy. I really don't like the idea of medication, but it seem like my last option - talking about your problems and talking in general is not very helpfull and leave me more depressed than I was in the first place.
Once I'm put on disability money, I'll continue the treatment program, but my expectations are low. So I'm asking any of you who's taking medications against depression or anxiety :does it work and what improvements to life quality can I expect, given that I also have AS? What are the side effects (specify which meds you are taking) . How does the life of an aspie w/o depression compare to one with depression? And why is it that aspies are so prone to depressions, and what can we do about it?

I had been suffering from depression, and I was put on Fluoxetine for 13 or 14 months. This is a temporary measure, and you can think of it like a tool. You use a screwdriver on a screw, you can use anti-depression medication to get yourself out of a rut. I would say it worked for me, I believe it works by actually changing the amount of certain hormones you produce.

During those months, you can work on getting out more, fixing some issues, seeing a psych, etc.

When you come off the drugs, you are better prepared to handle problems yourself.

At least, this is my view.... it worked for me. But you have to decide for yourself :)



EDIT:

Side effects of Fluoxetine... overheating, occasionally, not a big problem. The list of possible side effects is endless though..

When you go ON or come OFF the medication, you get weird effects, like dizziness.

I'm on Wellbutrin and it's helped a lot. It's more than medication though - the medication enables me to help myself. I can sleep properly, eat properly and exercise, talk to people regularly even if it's through the internet, go outside, and see my therapist monthly. It's not the medication that's making things better, it's a combination of all of those things, but without the medication I wasn't able to do any of it. I have to maintain myself, I can't just take the medication and expect to be cured. There are no miracle cures, unfortunately.

I wish I didn't have to take it for an extended time but I have bipolar disorder and it's part of my maintenance. I think medication is worth it when you find the right one for you.

My doctor suggested Citalopram. When I asked him about side effects, he said there were none. But I did some reseach, and oh boy! Several sideeffects, some even serious. Some common side effects are lower ability to focus and memory loss. Those are side effects that I don't want, as it would be counter productive.
I'm also not sure if depression is something that can be cured if you've been depressed most of your life - i.e you may have to be on meds your whole life.

I don't think I want to tackle AS that much. I am happy the way I am.

i've been on all the AD's....

buproprion worked the best..

however none of them I would say are worth taking..

buspirone is the most helpful drug I have taken...but I started getting wierd side effects and quit.

I went through the list of antidepressants over time and none of them worked for me because I had such bad side effects from them that I had to quit. One of them even locked my jaw shut and I had to go to the emergency room to get an injection to be able to open my mouth and turn my head again. My doctor said it's an extremely unusual side effect (he said it's usually only seen with antipsychotics but some people do get the effect from certain antidepressants) and that my system is just too sensitive for the medications.

What has helped with my depressions, for which I started getting treatment at age five, is partially time (the older I get, the "mellower" I get and the easier time I have coping with things) and partially the supplements I take (D, magnesium, and periodic 5-HTP. The D has been the most help.) and partially the diet I eat (no sugar, no gluten, no dairy, no meats or fish, no processed food, 80% raw fruits and vegetables) and partially pure dumb luck.

I wish you well in your journey toward wholeness and happiness.

I'm yet to find anti-depressant medication that has actually worked for me.

i a couple different anti depressants over a period of about 12 years and eventual each one failed. the last anti depressant i was prescribed was fluoxitine hcl and it made me miserable. i actually thought i was going crazy for a long time and i had no idea why.

Ive heard that prolonged use of antidepressants ( in large doses especially) can cause something called serotonin syndrome. i understand it as a build up of serotonin in the brain.

i never felt that antidepressants worked for me and if they did i don't think it was worth the two years of hell i went through.

im not saying everyone should stop taking there medication but its not for everyone.

3? im usually not depressed, but i'm ALWAYS anxious, to some extent at least.

I found that physical exercise is a good way to treat and prevent depression. As being animals we are supposed to run, jump and sweat!

I have been on MANY types of medications. Some work, some don't...some stop working (then you have to switch to another one). The one I'm currently on is working (Lexapro--lowest dose). I think I have been on it for a couple of years. I'm not "gleeful" but more normal (not depressed curled up in a ball in my bed and sleeping all day). I'm extremely thankful that I'm not majorly depressed anymore. I still struggle with anxiety. It continues to be a big obstacle for me. I really haven't found a way to combat it. Benzos are only for short-term and never really effective for me. Sleep as always been an issue.... I'm on Intuniv (approved for ADHD in Children) to help attention/concentration and promote sleep. It helps with the attention/concentration (I tried cutting back on it and I could hardly do any work). As far as the sleep goes, it really hasn't done much.

I suggest trying medications. It sucks because you may have to try MANY different ones but once you reach the correct one it is totally worth it. Also, when you do get ones that work.... you have to push yourself to do things that you previously didn't do.

I've voted 5. 95% of the time, I am able to tackle my issues. Antidepressants help me out, a lot. My pills are still working, after 12 years. I was a little worried, for a few days, there when I was having emotional issues, over a friend, I've never had, that I've called some pretty wild names, in Random Discussion, but those issues have resolved themselves, and I'm back to my jolly old self, again and I don't need to get my pills changed, and nor do I need that Slim-Fast, anymore.