Posted by jealibeanz on November 5, 2006, at 20:27:41
In reply to Question regarding primary social anxiety?, posted by cerebus on November 5, 2006, at 18:45:54
By what your doctor writes down on your paper:)
I used to be diagnosed with social anxiety only. Then both. Now just generalized anxiety. Not really with any input from me. It's just my GP. We talk about lots of stuff, but not symptoms. Maybe he just doesn't want to make me feel bad by dwelling too much into my personal thoughts/feelings. It actually does work out just fine. I either tell him, I hate the side effects of these stupid SSRIs, or say, the Xanax isn't strong enough, and he gives me more. Odd, but yes it's how we do things and it works.
It's probably actually based on his own observations. We do talk quite a bit, a little too much, haha. I'm never left with enough time to address my many medical concerns (which go beyond psych issues). He loves to hear what's going on with me at school and about my family, since he knows them as well. If he met me right now, instead of four years ago, he'd never think to diagnose social anxiety. I'm awfully chatty with the entire staff because they know me. Plus, I wouldn't be as successful as I am right now (academics, future career), if I still had terrible social anxiety.
So either he's changed his diagnosis, since actually I now have a tonnn of GAD, and a touch of SAD. Or he just would rather write GAD. It's slightly less stigmatizing I suppose.
In terms of benzos, I don't think the diagnosis matters. But if you want to try an antidepressant, then Nardil is supposedly the Gold Standard for social anxiety. I've never tried it myself, so I can't give you any feedback.
In terms of SSRI's, Paxil is supposed to be great for social anxiety. Zoloft can be good too. I took effexor. I was too apathetic to have any social anxiety on it. But it is stimulating, so I can understand why it may not be the best for you. What else have you tried? Any benzos?
Good luck. I know it's a tough disorder to have. I honestly don't think it's the hardest to medicate though. When all else fails, benzos can usually help. You just need the right doc to prescribe them.
poster:jealibeanz
thread:700706
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061104/msgs/700764.html