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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by becksA on September 8, 2004, at 13:27:56
They say I have social anxiety disorder, but I'm not so sure.
I have been somewhat depressed, but never to the point of being unable to get out of bed, etc...just feeling down; the main problem is the anxiety. It's not really GAD, mostly interpersonal. The odd thing is it's only when things are "happy", or when I have to laugh or smile. When it's a serious conversation, I appear, and feel, completely normal and calm. When it's a casual, small talk, joking conversation, I appear and feel completely tense, mostly in the face where I can barely force a fake smile or laugh.I've tried every SSRI and we've moved on, knowing they don't do anything. I've now been on Neurontin for a while, and that seems to help it somewhat, but mostly just helps the serious conversations even more. (I feel a general calm), yet when the casual conversations/interactions hit, it's the same old feeling.
Is this a bi-polar problem, or something else I shoudl touch on with my pdoc? Everything we've tried so far is obviously not working, if anything, it's gotten worse. would like some insight for next appt. thanks-
Posted by PhoenixGirl on September 8, 2004, at 16:54:21
In reply to Who wants to play doctor?, posted by becksA on September 8, 2004, at 13:27:56
I've had social anxiety disorder for most of my life, and what you are describing sounds like social anxiety disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is what has helped me the most. "Exposure therapy" - doing the thing you fear as much as possible helps you realize it's not as scary as you think. Klonopin has also helped my social anxiety.
Posted by becksA on September 8, 2004, at 17:49:38
In reply to Re: Who wants to play doctor?, posted by PhoenixGirl on September 8, 2004, at 16:54:21
So how do you tackle the fear? You mean a specific part of your therapy is going out and talking to random people?
Posted by Philidor on September 8, 2004, at 19:20:39
In reply to Re: Who wants to play doctor?, posted by becksA on September 8, 2004, at 17:49:38
Beck, instead of playing doctor, could I direct you to a page that I found very helpful and informative? I think you will too.
Best,
Phil
This is the end of the thread.
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