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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cerebus on November 5, 2006, at 18:45:54
How do you know if your primary dx. is GAD or SP? I believe i have GAD first but not sure. I am on effexor but not helping with social anxiety. I may try Nardil to see if that will do the trick. Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by Phillipa on November 5, 2006, at 20:09:48
In reply to Question regarding primary social anxiety?, posted by cerebus on November 5, 2006, at 18:45:54
Gad is generalized anxiety disorder and is what I have. I'm constantly worrying and fearful without a reason with agoraphobia thrown in. SAD is fear around other people. Love Phillipa
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.
Posted by jealibeanz on November 5, 2006, at 20:39:06
In reply to Question regarding primary social anxiety?, posted by cerebus on November 5, 2006, at 18:45:54
Are you asking how to decide which disorder is more severe? You seem to imply that you have both. But only mentioned that your social anxiety isn't improving with Effexor. You only wrote a short message, but from that I gather you are rather concerned about the social anxiety. So if it's your main concern, that's your answer.
Posted by Glydin on November 6, 2006, at 9:11:43
In reply to Question regarding primary social anxiety?, posted by cerebus on November 5, 2006, at 18:45:54
I actually consider myself to have a garden variety Anxiety Disorder that is comprised of a number of the signs and symptoms of alot of the disorders as are found in the subcategorized, specific disorders.
For a while I was monotherapy on Klonopin which did indeed help with the anxiety symptoms. I was quite adament about having just an anxiety disorder. However, for me, depression was also a factor despite my protests. Treating both issues treated me.
Just my findings.... Good Luck to you, I hope you find a good treatment for you.
Posted by cerebus on November 6, 2006, at 15:29:55
In reply to Re: Question regarding primary social anxiety? » cerebus, posted by Glydin on November 6, 2006, at 9:11:43
I originally went to the psyche for social anxiety but was ultimately dx. with GAD. I just started back on Effexor XR; currently at 150mg. Previously I was on Effexor XR for over 2.5 years. I decided to try Nardil, which ultimately I had to cease due to increased anger problems. I only gave it 3 weeks at the minimum dosage. I am still pondering on trying it again. The diet also scared me. I am afraid to get on a benzo due to the fact I may have to take a drug test. That would be difficult to explain to my employer - Currently in sales but my social phobia seems to have increased lately. I really do not know. Thanks for all of the support and feedback.
Posted by Phillipa on November 6, 2006, at 19:43:51
In reply to Re: Question regarding primary social anxiety?, posted by cerebus on November 6, 2006, at 15:29:55
If you have a legitimate prescription for a benzo there is no problem with the drug testing and your employer . Love Phillipa
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