Posted by becksA on December 26, 2006, at 12:25:15
(was questioning my DX of social anxiety disorder...see the above post)
Ok I'm really going to copy and paste this story because I've told it millions of times trying to seek advice and it's extensive lol.
DX'd with ADHD at age 12, and that had been the only issue for the next 8 years when social anxiety slowly began to set in, almost seemingly out of nowhere. It became so severe, I could not be in public, around other people. I even became very anxious around my own IMMEDIATE family (mom, dad, bro, sis). Anxiety was most noticeable in casual situations. Anytime I felt the need to smile, I could not. I tried my best to force a smile, but couldn't and knew the people I was around knew it as well, and this caused more anxiety, creating a downward spiral to the point where it was almost a panic attack (best way I can describe it)....I could see them talking to me, and I almost felt on stage, I could hear them, but not a word was getting through, I was concentrating so hard on appearing "normal". I hope this is making some sense, or anybody can relate.
I totally agree I do not think Social Anxiety is the DX. I actually think I may have it a BIT, but as every single SSRI had no effect whatsoever, no benzo had ANY effect even maxed out, until 14mg of klonopin (the only benzo that had any effect, and it took that dosage to get there). I've tried basically everything except MAOI's. Thinking about it but really don't want to go there. I've tried beta blockers, you name it, i've tried it. I also have an uncanny ability to come off drugs quickly and/or without side effects that the majority of people complain about being horrible. (not only benzos). However, I am EXTREMELY sensitive to stimulants. even a tiny 5mg dose of adderall will kill my appetite, hyperfocus me for a few hours and I crash hard for a good 3-4 hours after.
We tried Depakote and Lamictal, nothing. The latest is tapering off the Klonopin, and 900mg Lithium daily. So far, considering the possibilities of rebound anxiety, even with that considered, things are much better. Don't know if it's the lithium, or if the SAD has gone down, I have no clue. I wish I did. We've been through about a million different pdocs and meds....So far I'm going to keep on this route, it is the best with the least medication so far. Any suggestions, advice, experience, after reading this?
poster:becksA
thread:716494
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061224/msgs/716494.html