A man in Yinan County, suffering from long-term depression that progressed into paranoia, believed his wife intended to poison him. After failing to locate his son who was studying away from home, he suspected his wife had murdered him and killed her with a knife. On June 27th, police apprehended the man.
Hui, a resident of Yiweng Town in Yinan County, possessed an introverted and sensitive personality. Over a decade ago, life's setbacks led him to develop depression. Following his diagnosis, his emotions grew increasingly extreme and neurotic. His wife, Wang, sought treatment through various medical channels, but Hui's mental state fluctuated without fundamental improvement.In recent years, Hui's mental state deteriorated further, developing into paranoid delusions that made him constantly suspicious of his wife.To treat her husband, Wang consulted doctors and obtained numerous medications. However, Hui, convinced he was not ill, refused to take them. In an effort to administer the treatment, Wang secretly mixed the powdered medication into his meals. In Hui's mind, this became an act of "murder." He began to harshly accuse his wife, leading to frequent arguments.
Last autumn, Hui's son enrolled in university out of town. Due to his father's mental condition, normal communication became impossible, so the son naturally relied more on his mother for contact.After this year's Spring Festival, contact between the son and Hui gradually dwindled to nothing. This triggered a series of delusions in Hui, who became convinced his son was dead—poisoned by his wife in collusion with "underworld forces." He repeatedly quarreled with his wife, and their conflicts grew increasingly intense. Hui's paranoia flared frequently, making him certain his wife would harm him. He often dared not sleep at home.
On the evening of June 26, Hui stayed overnight at another family's house in the village. His wife, Wang, searched everywhere for him but couldn't find him. Early on the 27th, Hui returned home and encountered his wife, who had just come back from searching for him. He again confronted her about their son's alleged murder. Wang naturally denied it and served her husband a bowl of noodles for breakfast.Seeing the noodles, Hui recalled his wife's past instances of lacing his food with drugs. Convinced she was plotting to harm him again, he went to the kitchen, grabbed a cleaver, and lunged at her. Wang instinctively tried to wrestle the knife from his grasp. Overpowered by his strength, she fell to the ground, and Hui struck her with the cleaver, resulting in an irreversible tragedy.
How to Manage Chronic Depression and Anxiety
1. Medication Therapy
Pharmacological treatment is primarily indicated for patients with moderate to severe depression. Previously common tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants, as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, have been phased out due to significant side effects.Current treatments primarily include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline, paroxetine, and venlafaxine; serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine; and antidepressants like norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These offer significantly improved safety and efficacy.
2. Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is primarily applied to patients with depression influenced by significant social factors, often used in conjunction with medication. Common approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy, supportive psychotherapy, marital and family therapy, and interpersonal therapy.
3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is reserved for patients with severe depression exhibiting significant suicidal tendencies who do not respond to medication. Modified electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is commonly employed, requiring concurrent medication. For patients with mild to moderate depression, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an emerging physical therapy option.