For four years I’ve been in a state of severe chronic ravenous hunger and I never feel full. It started after I was treated for treatment resistant depression with ECT. I did not have this problem growing up only after suffering from insomnia and depression. A year 1/2 ago I started having chronic severe anxiety which hasn’t stopped, the hunger got twice as bad. I have severe insomnia and have noticed it has a connection to sleep. Anybody heard of this? I read an artitcle that said the chemicals in our brains not only regulate mood but also hunger and that if we don’t get enough sleep we don’t produce enough chemicals. I have tried tons of diff. anti-depressants and adderall, none of which helped the appetite.
It is not medicinal because I went off of my medication for 5 months and the hunger never stopped. And that was the biggest mistake I ever made, I was completely unstable, I couldn’t sleep at all, and it is the reason I have severe anxiety and severe fatigue now. I was very stable while taking my meds. Never stop your meds unless you consult a doctor.
I am seeing a very good psychiatrist and psychologist and they don’t know what to do. They have both been in practice for 30 years and said they’ve never heard of this.
It can be caused by the meds, if you are taking any. It’s too bad the adderall didn’t help – it has helped me quite a bit, I lost 40 lbs on adderall. I haven’t heard of ECT causing this problem – I had ECT last year, and did a lot of reading on it, and didn’t see anything about the hunger- it may just be a cooincidence. Did you google for a link between ECT and hunger problems? Lack of sleep does increase appetite – I’ve read this before. I’m sure you get a lot of medical care, but have you gone to a sleep disorders center? Or consider going to a University mental health clinic for some top-notch opinions on how to manage your condition better. It might not pan out – they couldn’t help me with my bipolar at all – but it’s worth a shot. I did get this ravenous hunger from geodon. Does the hunger wax and wane with your mood or anxiety level? try charting it, if there is variation – it may give some insight into whether it is a psychiatric or hormonal problem or neurological problem. Realize of course that all these problems interact with each other, too. Increasing exercise dramatically may help somewhat.
all the best – I know what it feels like, but in my case it was a med, and I was able to stop it when I figured it out. It must be awful. Good luck to you!
It is because you have subject your body to all those antidepressants that you are having this problem. Sadly, I do not know the answer besides to NOT take them! Good luck!
References :
Yes, they are all related. Anxiety, depression, hunger. If you don’t feel happy your body tries to compensate with food. Get some help. That’s what I’m doing.
References :
Hello. That can be a side effect from certain medications. I take a medication that does that to me. Fortunately, i’m strong willed enough not to eat when i feel like that. It’s very strange to feel so hungry like you haven’t eaten for a month, when your probably not really hungry. Hormone imbalances can cause it also. I’ve had hormonal issues on and off, and have experienced it from that. I have insomnia, but don’t notice a change in my appetite from that. I’m usually just too tired to think about eating. Wish i had an answer for you. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find one. Good Luck
References :
It can be caused by the meds, if you are taking any. It’s too bad the adderall didn’t help – it has helped me quite a bit, I lost 40 lbs on adderall. I haven’t heard of ECT causing this problem – I had ECT last year, and did a lot of reading on it, and didn’t see anything about the hunger- it may just be a cooincidence. Did you google for a link between ECT and hunger problems? Lack of sleep does increase appetite – I’ve read this before. I’m sure you get a lot of medical care, but have you gone to a sleep disorders center? Or consider going to a University mental health clinic for some top-notch opinions on how to manage your condition better. It might not pan out – they couldn’t help me with my bipolar at all – but it’s worth a shot. I did get this ravenous hunger from geodon. Does the hunger wax and wane with your mood or anxiety level? try charting it, if there is variation – it may give some insight into whether it is a psychiatric or hormonal problem or neurological problem. Realize of course that all these problems interact with each other, too. Increasing exercise dramatically may help somewhat.
all the best – I know what it feels like, but in my case it was a med, and I was able to stop it when I figured it out. It must be awful. Good luck to you!
References :
Yes, there is a connection……. the ‘chemicals’ in our brains have not been proven to do anything……. however there is a strong connection between hormones and all of your symptoms, especially hyper thyroid … hormones are thought to be at the basis of most mental illnesses, because they regulate everything we do and our brains……….
So , I would have your TSH (thyroid) checked , and include T3 uptake…ask them for that……..and other hormones (sex,adrenal, cortisol, DHEAS)
The TSH should be between .3 and 2 , as the ideal range , so write that down and get a copy……. then you will have to consult with hormone experts, like those below
There is also known evidence that high fructose corn syrup can cause increased appetites……. so watch what you are eating
References :
http://www.feelingfff.com http://www.thehallcenter.com
http://www.thyroid.about.com