ANXIETY, i need help?

Question

well, i was wondering if my primary care physcian can give me something for my social anxiety,or do i have to go to a phychiatrist!
thanks

Answer 1

It depends on the level of your anxiety and your PCP's comfort level in treating it. Many PCP's would be comfortable treating mild to moderate anxiety with a medication like Paxil or Celexa. These will likely help with some of the anxiety symptoms, but will not get to the root of the anxiety. There may be a role at some point for some psychological counseling to address the underlying cause of the anxiety and how to treat it without lifelone medications.

Answer 2

A family doctor can give you medications which can help in situations of Anxiety, and social anxiety. However, the process of finding the proper medication for you is often one of trial and error. What works for one person does not work for everyone.

Anxiety is a chronic condition. I would tell you to seek a support group to learn about your condition or see a social worker. A psychiatrist need not always be the answer as they can be expensive.

At somepoint, you are going to have to learn about yourself and determine why you are feeling such anxiety in social situations. This is a tough road but can be very enlightning. Cognative Behaviour Therapy (CBT) can greatly assist you in this situation. If you are having panic attacks, continued exposure to threatening situations will help desensitize you to the threat.

A good book to buy to learn about Anxiety and how to control panic attacks and learn what is happening inside your body and mind during an episode is Dr. Jon Cabot-Zinn's "High Catastrphe Living". It will teach you much about your condition and how to re-establish control over your body during an attack.

I have lived with panic attacks now for almost 20 years. I have made great strides in life, but every so often there is a set back and it is just part of the cycle. I can normally intorverted, but like any performer, if there is a job to do or a task to perform I can enter a room like a politician and shine. When it comes to my personal life, to walk up to a stranger and start small talk is at times still very difficult.

So Meds can and do help, but seek out therapy of some kind as this combination will help open the world to you!

Answer 3

Your PCP can give you something, and it will likely be an antidepressant like Paxil or something. It tried several of them and none worked for me. So I decided to go to a Psychiatrist and he recommended we try Neurontin which is an anticonvalescent...it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. Not a 100% cure but I felt like I was finally able to be myself and not feel anxious about every little thing. So I recommend you see a psychiatrist eventually and if antidepressants don't work for you mention Neurontin. Most physicians don't know about it yet as a treatment for anxiety...good luck and feel free to email me to discuss further...

Answer 4

Primary care physician can only give you benzodiazepines or anti depressents for symptomatic relief. A good psychologist and your PCP together can help you to overcome your social phobia or anxiety. If a psychiatrist is good in psychotherapy which they generally don't like as it is time consuming then he can also help you. But i will recommend your primary care guy and a good psychologist.

Answer 5

Talk to your primary first.... usually you have to see one before you can see psychiatrist..... Tell you primary how you fell and see what
he or she says. They will probably send you to where you need to go.

The psychiatrist is much more knowledgable about these things.... and just to make you feel better, Psychiatry is now consider and extension of Neurology, which deals with all sorts of issues including the central nervous system and the brain. Most, if not all issues of anxiety stem from a physical "difference" in your central nervous system.

Answer 6

I see my regular physician for my anxiety meds. I have had anxiety disorder for over 19 years. I have been to psychiatrists and therapists and neither one helped me any. Both ended up being a waste of my time and money. I know some great websites and online support groups that have really been alot of help to me. I would be glad to share that info with you if you're interested just email me through my yahoo answers profile. Best of luck to you! I know how hard it is trying to cope with anxiety.

Answer 7

Chances are, the PCP will prescribe something, same as a psychiatrist. Research shows that a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy AND meds can help relieve symptoms of this disorder. Visit your local community mental health center and get help to solve the problem, not mask it.

Answer 8

Well it would be better that you visit phychiatrist if your social anxiety is high. Maybe even try therapy it helps very much! I know that coz my fiance has it. Try visiting this site, maybe it would help you - www.socialanxietysupport.com
If you wish somebody to talk to, feel free to write me at my email: [e-mail] i will be glad to help. Good luck!

Answer 9

I disagree with the poster that said drugs just mask the problem. Sometimes, people have an imbalance of chemicals or hormones in their body, and the meds help to balance this out.

Your primary care doctor can help you with this problem. GL

Answer 10

No, a specialist shouldn't be required, and you should certainly talk to your GP about this. It is very common, and can often be overcome without drugs.

Talk to a pro. And when you do, ask about non Rx methods of coping.

In the meantime, take deep breaths, remember to smile when appropriate, and only speak when you feel comfortable with what you have to say.