Anxiety treatments

Graciecat

Yes, there are good treatments out there.
For some it's medication for others it's therapy.

To answer your other question, yes you can overcome it..I don't have panic attacks any more and I thought at one time that I'd never get over them.

IMO, the first thing you should do is go to a Doctor.
He/She will probably run tests to rule out other problems...this doesn't mean there is anything wrong with you, it's just what a good Doctor will do.
I don't think any Doctor should just tell someone that they suffer with panic disorder without these tests.
Then they should discuss treatment options with you.
If they want to put you on medication that's fine, but be sure you know all the drawbacks to anything they want to give you.

Medication was the only thing that worked for me...but it's not for everyone.
Therapy works for others...but was a waste of time and money for me.

In the end, the way you decide to treat this disorder is up to you.

Good Luck

tany

Thank you for your very positive comments. I will take the advice and get something done!

Tany

hry33

to tany, do a course in public speaking, everyone will be nervous at first and they teach you how to cope

tany

Sounds good, but just the thought of it makes me wanna go to the bathroom! I've had counselling, as my doctor suggested first, but hasn't helped - so it's 'back to the doc'

Thanks!
Tany

billy7772

Hi Tany,
Gracie gave you good advice. What worked for me was learning the tools of Cognitive Brehavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is not like other talk therapy. A good CBT therapist does not care much about your past or why you think you feel the way you do etc. A good CBT therapist knows they cannot change what's already happened to you but they can help you change how you deal with what happens in your life from here on out. It's all about using the tools to learn to think more clearly and accurately about things and once you do your depression will miraculously begin to lift before your eyes. My favorite starter book on CBT is "Been There, Done That? Do This! by Sam Obitz. In addition many universities have CBT programs or groups you can particpate in for little or no cost at all, so you may want to check with yours.
Good Luck and you WILL get better

Billy

__________________
Don't expect anyone to help you, if you won't help yourself!

Teth

Hi Tany,
It's really interesting how 'anxiety' can control us in specific circumstances and how it can affect us to a certain degree. I guess it's really how much you know yourself and what 'symptoms' are messing with you, as you might already know, everyone has a degree of anxiety and stress.
My suggestion before seeking any 'medication solution', would be to check out a 'public speaking' class on the side.. maybe you need to feel confortable with public speaking. Nothing wrong with asking questions in class, from university I've heard every type of questions. From smart to just lame ones that turn-out to be funny, but, what's the worst that can happen?

Good luck,
JT.

bradcured

I believe taking public speaking class won't really help. You *might* have social-anxiety disorder. There are number of treatments for this - CBT, medications (benzos,SSRI,MAOi,dopaminergics).

billy7772

Hey Brad,
Welcome to the board What cured you?

Billy

__________________
Don't expect anyone to help you, if you won't help yourself!

bradcured

Hello there Billy!

I'm finally cured from social-anxiety/phobia. Drug: Amisulpride (Solian) is the cure for me in this case. At 50mg/day. It is a dopaminergic; by attaching to D2 and D3 dopamine receptors - it increases presynaptic dopamine transmission. And problems with D2 receptor are common in people with social-anxiety (can post studies if someone wants to)

Take care,
Brad

billy7772

Hi Brad,
Thanks for the quick reply I'm glad you have "finally" found something that cured your SAD and phobia's. As you probably read in my previous post CBT was the thing that worked for me. Isn't it great to have found something that works for you

Take care!

Billy

__________________
Don't expect anyone to help you, if you won't help yourself!

Teth

Good observation,
Tany 'might' have social anxiety disorder. Before starting any drug treatment (meds) I recommend looking into other forms of counseling... alternatives such as CBT or psychodynamic psychotherapy.
My suggestion/thoughts in the matter were just to start with a more simple approach depending on the severity of the symptoms, which is why I suggested a self improvement class such as public speaking.. it might help or might not. In order to rule something out, you must give it a fare try.
Personally I have used meds in the past and I am not a big believer in them, I know they do help when necessary but the decision of starting a med treatment shouldn't be taken lightly as they could bring along other consequences.

Best luck to you,
JT.

Iss

I'm looking for a cure myself for my anxiety/social anxiety... I've tried paxil cr and prosac with OK results, but could be better. I looked up SOLIAN and :Amisulpride (brand name Solian) may be prescribed for people with schizophrenia. Very interesting, but if it works Im very happy for you. Depamine and serotinin are low in depressed people right? There's a new drug called remeron that blocks seritonin and dopamine receoptors.. or something like that.. maybe i could try that... or i could try something like buspar... im doing research on that to. I dont think therapy would work for me... i've had a speaking class and somedays i was nervous/anxious.. and somedays.... i wasn't.. I was occassionally taking SJ. wort, but not long enough to have that play a part in it i think.... I hope i can get this figured out... kidna gets depressing..
Iss

tany

Hi All,
And thank you for your supportive comments. I would love to be able to speak openly to a crowd of people, but I can't.
This problem I will need to get over & try the things out that have been mentioned here. What also worries me is that my son, is also showing signs of shyness at nursery (even though he plays with his friends). So, if I can do it, then I will help and assist my son also - as it a stressful situation to be in.

'Public speaking course' ? hmm, what to they do? Do they tell you to get up and talk about something, or do they train how to stay calm and relaxed - which is where I have difficulty with, get stuck for words (ie head goes blank), and start to blush, as well as start to sweat!

Well I have a presentation comming up for my uni, but with this symptom, I know I am going to loose marks, as I am going to 'blob', to avoid the situation.

I am slightly asthmatic to so I can't take 'betablockers' (whatever they are).

Thanks again and keep posting - so will I as I am off to see my Dr again.
Tany

billy7772

Excellent advice Teth

__________________
Don't expect anyone to help you, if you won't help yourself!