Posted by Racer on November 19, 2008, at 8:51:26
In reply to Antipsychotics for Social Phobia, posted by Michael Bell on November 18, 2008, at 13:25:41
It's hard to say what worked best for me -- but I know it wasn't an A/P... (I've never been able to stay on any more than a couple of weeks -- feel too weird, and they tend to increase my depression.)
Lately, the best thing has been Provigil, because as I get that sense of wellness, of strength, it comes with confidence, which brings along far more ease in social situations. Now, that's me, and Provigil is the best anti-depressant I've ever been on -- even though it's not known to be an anti-depressant. (And, since benzos cause agitation, some SSRIs increase my depression, etc, that doesn't mean that it will be helpful for ANY OTHER human being on the planet.) (I also take Wellbutrin XL and Trileptal, and Vyvanse.) That leads me to suspect that many people with intense social anxiety would respond well to a non-agitating anti-depressant -- and to a bit of self-coaching. (Or even just plain coaching.)
The behavioral aspects are what I find most important, though. For me, NOTHING would make any difference whatsoever if I didn't take behavioral action, as well. Reminding myself that everyone else also felt some shyness, telling myself I could approach someone else the way I'd like to be approached, repeating the message my mother used to give me, "why would anyone be looking at you, Dear? They're all too worried about how they look themselves" -- those messages help me more than any drug. (Especially since any somewhat sedating drug will make me much more anxious in those situations. Anxious enough I can smell it in my sweat.)
So, for me, a combination of effective anti-depressant medication and behavioral intervention made a huge difference.
poster:Racer
thread:863799
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081114/msgs/863958.html