Posted by MrSandman on April 13, 2004, at 16:26:09
In reply to Re: Sleep deprivation » zeugma, posted by Cruz on March 21, 2004, at 18:01:18
I've practiced Sleep Deprivation (SD, also euphemistically called "wake therapy") intermittently for nearly for nearly two decades. Despite the pitfalls observed by other posters, it remains the single most powerful treatment of the dozens I've tried.
Many recent studies suggest that SD can be facilitated and relapse avoided by precise schedule manipulations, certain medications, or phototherapy. (See the abstracts @ http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.sleepdep.html) There's no consensus- like so much of clinical medicine, choosing the best treatment is largely a matter of trial and error.
By the way, I've found that sunlight, Wellbutrin, and excercise complement my SD program nicely. It's also important to pace myself during the day. My greatest success with SD came when I was on Lithium and Wellbutrin- 15 months of nearly normal life. Alas, renal problems forced me to quit the Lithium, SD became more difficult, and depression waylaid me once again.I look forward to swapping tips and tales about the Sleep Deprivation "lifestyle."
***WARNING!:Sleep deprivation frequently induces mania. Discuss the risk with your doctor and develop a contigency plan.***
poster:MrSandman
thread:326021
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040412/msgs/336058.html