Blunted affect

I don't quite know where to place this topic as it concerns not an illness, but a symptom, but its most likely cause might, possibly, be clinical depression. Blunted affect occurs in depression as well as in schizoid disorder, schizophrenia and, in autism, but I believe that, for me, it mostly affects positive feelings, whereas in other disorders, I'd assume it affects positive and negative feelings equally. I've posted several threads about my blunted affect. (More specifically, about simple schizophrenia and two medicines which I hope(d) could resolve it, namely sertindole and glutamate.)

I've been clinically depressed for four to five months. Lately, the negative feelings have decreased. This only increased my worry because now I barely have any emotion left at all: since then, I've begun to suspect that I'm schizoid or schizophrenic.

I'm pretty sure that my emotional flattening is not normal at all. I conclude this from the few episodes I've felt better. These give me some reassurance: if this were normal, I could as well kill myself.

Does anyone know how blunted affect can be treated? I've tried too many medicines to name, and so far the only one that's helped was bupropion (Welbutrin), although only partially and temporarily. I'm currently trying glutamine, a precursor of glutamate (the shortage of which is associated with schizoid disorder as well as schizophrenia), and am still awaiting its effects.

Also, does anyone know para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) and if it's available for public use, or does anyone have experience with L-phenylalanine? Both these substances reduce serotonin, and PCPA selectively inhibits it. I believe I have an excess of serotonin because it is mood-stabilizing.

Hey,

Where did you get the information about these amino acids (Glutamine, Glutamate, and Phenylalanine)? Glutamate is used to make gamma-Amino-Butyrate (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. I'm not sure what Phenylalanine and Glutamine do though.


I have suffered this 'blunted effect' for prolonged periods of time but when did you first start to notice yours? You weren't always like this, right? I mean, this only started while you were depressed four or five months ago. It is a common symptom of depression and does not necessarily point to schizophrenia. There can be a number of reasons why it happens, each of which I'm not confidant of giving.

I'd talk to your doctor about it. It's really just a common symptom of depression. Medication can also 'numb the senses' a bit.

Kevin.

Glutamine is a precursor of glutamate. Phenylalanine inhibits brain absorption of phenylalanine and is a precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline (via tyrosine).

I'm not sure if I've ever felt normal positive emotionality, and I think I can safely say that I've never really been happy, but the emptiness deteriorated this year, especially since May.

My doctor doesn't think I'm schizophrenic, though he did say that I was "severely ill" to his colleagues.

I've been using several dietary supplements which may have worsened my conditions, without even knowing it. I've been using magnesium and vitamin supplements (which increase serotonin), valerian, the chronic use of which may cause a sense of mental numbness, and piracetam, which may decrease emotionality.

Oblomov,

I refer to my "blunted" feelings as my "haze." I walk around without feeling like I am interacting with reality or my surroundings. I talk to people and do what is necessary, but it is almost in an autonomous manner. My recollections of these times are almost dream like. Sometimes it was due to depression or PTSD and sometimes it was the anti-d's I was taking.

You are way over my head in your knowledge of pharmacology and the effects of specific nutrients with brain processes. I am learning more, but chemistry was never my strong suit. My only insight is my curiosity as to the body's inability to process and use the nutrients that are taken in. There are physical disorders caused when the body is unable to metabolize the elements the it needs, I think some emotional issues are also tied to this. Perhaps it might even be a genetic issue.

I hope you find some answers to your depression. Being innately curious and proactive can only help.

Best,

N.