Posted by Jeffrey on December 11, 2003, at 16:46:05
Hi,
I have been having great anxiety about a series of xrays my wife had while she was pregnant and the possible cancer this could have given my unborn child. I am told by experts that the risk of cancer induced by the xrays is very small. Still the anxiety persists. She is currently 5 months pregnant. I am taking medication Effexor and clonazapam, which has helped control the severity and frequency of my negative thoughts. However, I am still very anxious. I have begun seeing a psychologist who practices cognitive behaviour therapy. He has asked that I work through a "story" of a worst case scenario of the x-ray/pregancy issue. After perfecting the story under his supervision, I will record the story into a tape recorder and listen to it daily in the hopes of desensitizing me to the fear and lessoning my anxiety. Before beginning therapy, my approach has been to distract myself and try not think about this.I would appreciate any thoughts on the above treatment plan. I have some concerns that I am "legitimizing the fear" by repeating it to myself.
Best wishes to everyone,
Jeffrey
poster:Jeffrey
thread:288861
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031202/msgs/288861.html