Posted by Rocket Jackson on November 2, 2002, at 12:14:48
In reply to social phobia, posted by Kari on November 2, 2002, at 7:36:46
> Are there different types of social phobia? For instance, can it be assumed that the SP suffered by schizoids or schizotypals would be helped by reducing dopamine, while the more "purely anxious" types would necessitate an increase in this neurotransmitter? I know it isn't that simple, but...any thoughts on this?
> Thanks.Hi Kari,
I definitely think you're right on on your theory. It makes sense that that there are different types of SP, even with observation of myself and posts from others on this forum. "Depressive" SP seems to be pretty common, for which the SSRIs would theoretically work quite well in, plus the dopamine agonism as you mentioned. But I could see it getting pretty complicated in cases where SP coexists with such disorders as schizoid and schizotypal PDs. I'm sure dopamine would need to be blocked in certain areas of the brain but unaffected/stimulated in others.
As for me, I think I have the "purely anxious" type of SP. For this reason I gave Wellbutrin a try, as its mechanism of action appears to include a reuptake inhibition of dopamine. But I experienced zero benefit from it (I actually think I was more anxious, and even quite irritable :)) But I'm considering a trial with something like selegiline or the like in the future. We'll see!
Just curious: do you have SP? What seems to be working best for you?
Take care,
Rocket
poster:Rocket Jackson
thread:126124
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021101/msgs/126175.html