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The question was submitted 13/04/2008

Subject: Depression

Hi! I am 24 year old girl and youngest among my siblings. I am in last year of my masters. I am suffering from Diabetes Insipidus since 1988 and from depression since mid of 2006 and under therapy sessions which I have on alternate weeks and SSRI once a day since then. Along with depression I have suicidal thoughts and tendency of self harm. My parents suffer from depression and one of my sister has borderline personality disorder, the other has A.Nervosa. Is it possible that my family history or Diabetes insipidus can lead me to depression? I am really against medications but my doctor is not in favour of stopping my medication. What can I do to convince her? Thanks Alot!!

Answer from DepNet

Hello, thank you for writing to us.


Since you have had diabetes insipidus since you were 4 years old and depression only since you were 22 years old, it is unlikely they are directly related. Growing up with a chronic illness like diabetes insipidus may have been very difficult, which could be a factor contributing to your depression. Other than the impact of the illness on you personally, it is unlikely there is a direct medical or biological connection.


It is far more likely that there are connections between your depression, and the depressions, personality disorder and anorexia nervosa within your family. But these connections are likely to be extremely complex and not easy to unravel and understand, even from within. It certainly sounds as if relationships and growing up within your family have been very difficult for all of you at times.


All the disorders you mention have complex inter-connections. Unless there has been a clear common terrible experience you share (such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse in childhood), it would be difficult to be certain from the outside what the many contributing factors are. These are areas to explore with a therapist, certainly in individual therapy, and perhaps in family work, if that is something that you and your family want, and something that your therapist recommends. It doesn’t suit or help everyone – it very much depends on each unique set of circumstances, and each unique family.


I would strongly suggest you take your doctor’s advice and continue your medication. And I think you should continue working with both your doctor and your therapist. If you are about to complete your Masters degree (what an achievement!), that suggests that the work you have been doing on your depression and with your family issues has been very helpful. So when you are on a good thing – stick to it; unless you have a clear, carefully planned alternate strategy and supports. I would certainly not stop the medication if you are still sufficiently unwell to be experiencing suicidal thoughts and self harm!


So my recommendation would be to continue doing what you are doing, and discuss carefully with both your therapist and your doctor any plans you have to do otherwise. You have done so very well, this far. Good luck in the future!

The answer was published on DepNet 15/04/2008