Feeling Too Good After Treatment for Depression

Reader’s Question

I have recently seen a doctor who diagnosed me with depression, although I have also experienced extreme highs, as well as extreme lows. Over the past 5 months I have felt really good, I’ve been doing much more stuff than usual, been more talkative, and outgoing, I have felt that I’m really important, have been really goal focused and driven. I have found that I need less sleep than usual and don’t miss it. I’d get about 3-4 hours a night and be up early the next day. I’ve been calling friends late at night, and I have felt that my thoughts are racing and people find it hard to keep up with me, they tell me to slow down and some people think my behavior isn’t normal and that I should see someone about it. One of my friends thinks I could be bipolar, could this be right? Or is it just part of depression?

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

You’ve mentioned that you went to a physician who diagnosed you with depression. From your description, I would suspect that you were prescribed an antidepressant medication. Overall, based on your description, your friends are correct. This is too much energy, talkativeness, etc.

If you’ve been prescribed an antidepressant medication, this is most likely a — ready for this — SSRI-Induced Hypomania. Research tells us that in some folks, the use of an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa, etc. can produce a hypomanic state. A hypomanic state is what you describe — euphoria, decreased need for sleep, motor mouth, racing thoughts, poor impulse control, etc. A hypomanic state can be dangerous due to impulsive judgment, excessive spending, problems with sexual behavior, and irritability. SO…if you’re taking an antidepressant medication, this is the most likely cause of your situation. Contact your physician immediately and inform him/her of your hypomanic reaction. You’ll need to take action to slow this down before it runs away with you.

If you’re not taking an antidepressant medication (and no herbs, etc.), then this may represent a Bipolar-like reaction or significant mood swing. The recommendation is still the same, return to the physician and describe your hypomanic behavior. Again, there is some risk here and you want to agree not to shop excessively, misbehave, or quit your job.

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