![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Larry O on September 29, 2001, at 15:47:34
I have a serious performance anxiety problem, and I want to see if beta blockers can help. But every time I call a psychiatrist office, I am told it will take years of therapy and a lot of money. I know that musicians are routinely prescribed beta blockers. What am I doing wrong?
Posted by Cam W. on September 29, 2001, at 16:30:45
In reply to beta blocker prescriptions, posted by Larry O on September 29, 2001, at 15:47:34
Larry - Perhaps talk to a GP. It really depends on how bad the performance anxiety is, to tell if a beta blocker will work. Things like blood pressure, heart function, other meds (or drugs - no implications meant; it is an occupational hazard) you may be taking, and other anxiety traits you may have are also factors.
I find it hard that many psychiatrists would say that you need treatment for years, before you can be given medication. It may be in the delivery of your request to a receptionist that may have brought about the reply. Have you talked directly to a psychiatrist? You usually need a referral from a general practioner (at least in Canada) before you can see a psychiatrist.
Hope that this is of some help. - Cam
Posted by Elizabeth on October 1, 2001, at 14:47:28
In reply to beta blocker prescriptions, posted by Larry O on September 29, 2001, at 15:47:34
> I have a serious performance anxiety problem, and I want to see if beta blockers can help. But every time I call a psychiatrist office, I am told it will take years of therapy and a lot of money. I know that musicians are routinely prescribed beta blockers. What am I doing wrong?
Go to a psychiatrist who specialises in psychopharmacology (medical treatment of psych disorders) -- Cam's suggestion of talking to a GP seems like a good idea too (in general Cam's suggestions tend to be good ones). Say you've looked into it and you think you might be helped by propranolol or the like. Mention some of the books or articles you've read, if you think it would be helpful. Explain that you have uncomplicated performance anxiety and don't have the resources for extensive psychotherapy, if they suggest that.
I'm somewhat surprised that you've been unable to get a prescription for a beta blocker. It's not like they're controlled substances or something.
-elizabeth
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.