Posted by Justin Fernandez on September 7, 2008, at 22:01:37
In reply to Re: GABA and Dopamine, posted by Lao Tzu on August 31, 2008, at 16:11:37
I appreciate your feedback. You brought up some important points to consider. I have never received an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist. However, about six years ago a GP told me I had GAD and prescribed an SSRI (Lexapro). I had a rough start with this med (increased anxiety, dizziness, rapid pulse) and was switched to Zoloft. Zoloft stopped the anxiety, but killed my motivation. I discontinued the Zoloft on my own after about 8 months. Since then I have not used any other Rx meds, but have experimented with practically every supplement on the market. Some products worked short-term, but burned out after awhile. My primary symptoms are negativity, anxiety, irritability, low self-esteem, lack of focus and low motivation. Ocassionally I have increased feelings of helplessness, fatigue, and social avoidance. I have never experienced mania, delusions, or hallucinations. However, I have at times had some mild paranoia and Hypochondriasis. I have always been content to remain in the background and have been told all my life I am not living up to my potential. There is a constant struggle to remain focused on what I am supposed to be doing. Though these symptoms minimally affect my performance at work, they are often debilitating at home and in my academic and social responsibilities. When my level of responsibility increases, or I have impending deadlines, my symptoms are exacerbated. I am wondering if I have an overfocused type of ADD (Daniel Amen, M.D.)or something in the Bipolar Spectrum. It is sometimes very difficult to differentiate between GAD, ADHD, and Bipolar Spectrum disorders. Each of these disorders uniquely impact the different regions of the brain and neurochemical systems, and require different types of medications. I would like to avoid trial and error with meds as much as possible. Thank you in advance for your response.
poster:Justin Fernandez
thread:847727
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080612/msgs/850878.html