Posted by viridis on January 11, 2003, at 1:20:08
In reply to Is there anyone out there like me?, posted by BettyAnn on January 10, 2003, at 19:47:32
I suspect that a very large proportion of people on this site can relate -- I certainly can (except to the female issues, since I'm male). Dysthymia and neurosis seem to be popular, vague diagnoses, especially with therapists. I've been diagnosed (incorrectly) with both and spent years on ineffective medications as a result.
Almost all the meds you mentioned are SSRIs, my mainstay for a long time, even though they not only didn't work for me but often made things much worse. I should add that these are great drugs for some people, but not many others, despite their current popularity. If they aren't right for you, then your lack of response might just indicate a different set of problems that could be readily treatable.
A recurrent theme in your post is worry, anxiety, and so on. Have you seen a psychiatrist who really knows how to treat anxiety disorders? It's amazing what relief from constant stress can do for you, and it doesn't sound like you've explored those types of meds (benzodiazepines etc.).
For me, most of the problems seem to stem from anxiety, and it was crucial that I got that under control. Once I did (finally) with Klonopin and Xanax, many other things fell into place and I was able to rationally explore additional treatment options with my psychiatrist, which have worked quite well.
It sounds like you've only scratched the surface with the options that are available, and despite what many doctors will tell you, SSRIs aren't the solution for everyone. Again, I'd try to find a psychiatrist who understands anxiety disorders, the sooner the better.
It seems from what you've described that a "borderline" diagnosis is extremely premature -- once you get labeled with a "personality disorder" it really complicates things, and nothing you've said would seem to justify that at this stage. Please see a psychiatrist who knows anxiety -- you may be surprised at how much better life can be with the right treatment.
poster:viridis
thread:135231
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030106/msgs/135270.html