16/11/2005

Readers may find it helpful to refer to  'Management of AOPVS in Adults' on  Dr.Smith's website when reading these guidelines.

Basically, with the support of anti-depressants you have to MAKE YOURSELF WELL

This is essentially a slow, strictly disciplined approach and for a long time you may feel you are making no progress but, suddenly, you will look back and realise how much better you are.

There is no set time scale for recovery although roughly you will take as long to recover as you have been ill.

Regularise your sleeping and waking time - precisely, and stick to it. NEVER sleep during the day.

A self-help step you can take is, first, to quit work and lock up the TV, computer and games machine. Any visual input involving close concentration, such as reading, embroidery, jigsaws, games or detailed painting should be avoided until the programme is established, sleep pattern restored and symptoms are stable.  (For guidelines on reintroducing these activities see Moving Forward).