[Karaleigh]

Hi guys, what would happen if you became severely underweight due to depression? In regards to treatment, what would happen? I'm seeing my psychiatrist in a month, so I have time to put on weight before then, but I was worrying about what would happen if I was severely underweight or if I got worse before I see her next? Could she send me into hospital?

I will be 18 by the time I see her and I'm on medication. I also live in the UK and I'm on the NHS, because I know it's different in the US.

[bluekoi]

Welcome to Psych Central!

When I was first diagnosed with depression, I was 20. The doctor told me I was borderline anorexic. His suggestion, and it worked, was to eat a nutritious snack before (around 11:00AM) and after lunch (around 3:00PM). I had yogurt with granola and fresh fruit.

I'm in Canada and am not sure what the rules would be in the UK. If you show that you are aware that you are underweight and are trying to gain slowly, I think that would be in your favor.

Good luck with your appointment in July. Please keep us posted.

[Fizzyo]

Hi from another UKer, bluekoi talks sense with regard to trying to gain weight. In the UK, they will not send you to hospital unless they feel you are unsafe and can't be cared for at home, it is a last resort. It seems you have a sensible attitude so any psychiatrist worth his or her salt will work with you rather than against you as long as you are able to engage and make a plan with your agreement for your way forward. The only exception is if you are a high to your own safety. As an adult they cannot do anything without your consent unless your illness has temporarily taken away your ability to understand the choices you are making (and they have be able to prove it). (Until recently I worked in the NHS so have had some training in the Mental Capacity Act which you can look up to find out your rights. http//mind.org.uk have pages specifically on your legal rights and your local mind association may also be able to help with information and advocacy. Keep us posted and private message me if you want to talk especially about navigating NHS system. Best wishes,

[Lika Li]

I'm very skin, maybe the psychiatrist will consider the fact that you are underweight when
he/she prescribe an antidepressant, some that give you hungry.

[TheOriginalMe]

Is it just your eating that has suffered or do you neglect yourself in other ways? In my experience, if you are wearing clean clothes, have showered recently and aren't showing other signs of self-neglect then your psychiatrist will not be overly worried about your weight, especially if you are aware of the need to eat. They may prescribe food supplements that are high in nutrition but easy to eat if they think it would help.

Hospital is very much a last resort and there aren't enough beds so it is unlikely you would end up on a ward unless there was a really serious safety concern, e.g. you were thinking about suicide within the next 24 hours.

When I lost weight and was already underweight, my doctor put me on this med often used to boost appetite where I live - https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyproheptadine

I was also put on antidepressants with common "weight gain" side effects.

[Fizzyo]

[Trixie246]

Are you underweight normally or has this just happened? Did your dr prescribe a new antidepressant which can make you lose weight? I really don't think they can put you in the hospital because of that unless they thought you needed medical care immedietly. I will tell you I take Seroquel 100mg. and I have gained 40 lbs. My weight was normal before now I am heavy. I don't like it at all. Is there another reason you are underweight?