CP and anxiety - Cerebral Palsy Message Board

anxiouscpguy · 10-22-2007, 09:31 AM

Hi. I think I have an anxiety disorder. I have mild CP and I'm wondering if there is a correlation. I get very nervous and jittery sometimes in certain situations. Getting my picture taken, hair cut, job interviews, having dinner with a girl, etc. I've been this way since high school and I think having spastic CP has caused it. I was thinking about going to a doctor and asking him about it. At this point I want to try medication to help myself calm down, its overwhelming sometimes.

DaveKil · 10-28-2007, 02:27 PM

While it’s unlikely that your cp and nervousness are directly related, cp is a significant risk factor for both depression and anxiety. Also, spasticity and other neuromuscular abnormalities associated cp can sometimes make the symptoms of anxiety more pronounced and overwhelming.

It sounds to me like your anxiety hits when you are the object of someone's attention, i.e. when you are in the spotlight. For a few years now, I've had the same problem. My therapist offered me one explanation that seemed to be pretty dead on:

Nervousness and anxiety are natural human responses to such situations. Some effects of your cp (such as spasticity and muscle tightening), can make these responses a little more potent and overwhelming. Basically, what you are experiencing may be a natural response (that everyone has) filtered through your cp.

A couple years back, I decided to get on some medication for my anxiety. I would say that if you're concerned, it’s worth talking to your doctor. Be warned, though, finding a medication that works for you with few side effects can be a long road, and it is different for everyone.

In my case, I think my cp caused me to experience atypical symptoms with certain medications. With one, I had difficulty moving my right leg when I wanted to. This side effect was not expected and could not be explained by my doctor. Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot of research about how medications for anxiety or depression may act differently on someone with cp or any other disability rooted in the brain.

Eventually, I did find a medication that works well for me, and it helped tremendously. It didn't happen overnight, though. It's worth exploring medication as an option, but think long and hard before you do so. Talk therapy and other confidence building activities can help to relieve anxiety without the risk or frustration of side effects. Hope that helps.

Leb2006 · 02-09-2008, 08:29 AM

I have the same problem as you, Ive had anxiety my whole life. I was always "shy" around everyone. I would suggest talk therapy before medication. I was lucky enough to find the right medication on the second try. I made the stupid mistake of wanting to get off of my medication because I felt better. I have depression and anxiety problems when I went off the meds the anxity came back so my doc tried putting me on lexapro. I had the worst side effects from it. 2 months later ( I stayed hopeing it would finally work) im back on my old medication and feeling "ok". wow I rambled on a bit.. I would suggest talk therapy first and if that doesnt work try the medication. Good luck. Let us know how it goes

Lauren

ChrissyCP · 02-09-2008, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anxiouscpguy

Hi. I think I have an anxiety disorder. I have mild CP and I'm wondering if there is a correlation. I get very nervous and jittery sometimes in certain situations. Getting my picture taken, hair cut, job interviews, having dinner with a girl, etc. I've been this way since high school and I think having spastic CP has caused it. I was thinking about going to a doctor and asking him about it. At this point I want to try medication to help myself calm down, its overwhelming sometimes.

You know, I have similar issues as well. Pix, hair cuts, carrying trays, picking up full glasses, ....all those I suffered, but some I have noticed haved eased up a bit. My cp is very mild as well. For instance, hair cuts were troubling, but I'm not a guy so I did not need to cut it short...i would just have minor "jumps" or seconds-time tick, but as the cut went on it would ease up, meaning I'd be more relaxed. I assume when the razor/scissor touches you, you jump, am i right?

I guess, the only thing that got me through it was just telling myself to relax. I was horrrible with pictures, partly b//c my mother kept critiquing my smile for years because she really did not know anything about cp, so I had developed a fear of smiling so to speak. Well, it was just a few years ago when a friend of mine just pointed out that I have a beautiful smile - and guess what, it all become more comfortable for me to smile. I tend to have a wide-mouth smile, some have told me it looks like janet jacksons!! but I wouldn't go that far. It is nice and i am glad i am getting over it. Yes, there are times my lips don't really sustain a smile for more than a second or two, but there are exercises that can help with this.

From what I read on this board & on my own in books, that "nervousness" when it comes to CP, never goes away...it's really permanent

I would suggest to just let it go. You're a guy - I think girls will be more than happy to help you out!! Don't be afraid to tell people to help you. Its really okay. I think as you get older it becomes easier. I would avoid drugs....as someone with mild cp, I could only tell you that you really wont see much difference...just practice by using that mind over matter approach to things. It does become easier, but it does not fully disappear though. Bottom line: it is something you cant control so learn to accept it early in life. it is better this way.