Panic/Anxiety Disorders

[Igottago]

I chose not to use any meds, basically because the side effects seemed like they'd be worse than the anxiety disorder itself and would make me more depressed.

In the beginning I took a few courses of coginitive therapy with a psychologist...they really helped. In addition to that its been a matter of being patient, relying on breathing and relaxtion techniques, and the main thing, disengaging from the anxiety and re-engaging in your normal life. I can't stress that enough, dont let this disorder prevent you from living your life. They way to get better is almost to act as if its not even happening, toss aside the negative mental clutter and forge ahead as normally as you can. Its easier said than done, but over time the symptoms do subside.

[joe_mullen]

One would require a referral from a GP to see a psychiatrist. However, most GPs are well qualified to treat anxiety disorders, especially if a patient has a good relationship with his GP. Psychiatrists are usually reserved for difficult to treat cases (whether using meds or not) as you can imagine how backlogged the system would become if every patient with similar conditions was referred. Also, with the advent of primary care networks, a lot of GPs have access to psychologists that are subsidized by primary care networks.

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

Just in case anyone is confused (I myself used to find this distinction confusing)...

Psychiatrist - trained medical doctor who has taken further schooling to specialize in mental illness treatment. They will tend to prescribe drugs as treatments.

Psychologist - not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe. They are trained in counselling and therapy.

I've seen a lot of recommendations for seeing a General Practitioner, but wouldn't these guys have a lot less specialized knowledge than a Psychiatrist?

[Resolute 14]

Originally Posted by Igottago

I chose not to use any meds, basically because the side effects seemed like they'd be worse than the anxiety disorder itself and would make me more depressed.

Yeah, the list of potential side-effects is pretty scary if you read them before starting medication. It is generally quite rare for extreme side effects to occur though.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by peter12

Do you know how much things have changed in the last 10 years? A drug like Lexapro has almost no side effects.

Yes, i'm aware that older drugs tend to have less side effects than the newer ones. If i was to go back to the medication route i'd skip the SSRI's and go to the older and tested class of anti depressents.

I'm concerned with the way you are spinning your perspective, Dion. Of course there are issues with testing and regulating drugs; the profit motive can encourage drug companies to be not entirely transparent with their own processes. However, ignoring the benefits of pharmaceuticals and spewing this nonsense as being the untold truth is so close to what Tower does.

I'm not ignoring the benefits of pharmaceuticals. I took antidepressents for 6 years before I decided to go another route. Pointing out the side of meds and drug companies that people don't hear about isn't nonsense. It's about giving people information they haven't heard of so they can make an informed descion. Info I never had, nor was I given when i started taking antidepressants.

I'm currently taking a powerful medication to reduce the size of a tumor in my brain. The side effects are strong but the benefits to my health are greater. In a nut shell I had no choice but to take the meds.

I'm also taking medication for a low thyroid. Again the benefits to my health are greater so I take the medication.

I'm cautious as to what medications I take.

Drugs do not work for everyone, but they do work. The negative side effects do not impact a majority of patients, and the extreme side effects like seritonen syndrome are exceptionally rare.

Of course the side effects don't impact everyone. Then again how often does your GP make you aware of them when he/she is prescribing them? It's something you obviously researched.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by Resolute 14

Not a good assumption.

Some do cover it fully, but it varies widely. When I was seeing a pyschologist, I did so over two plans. One only covered $500 a year (pretty ridiculous), while the other covered 90%. That said, the cost was $160, and going every three weeks, it was worth it.

I was refering to Alberta Health Care and not some insurance or employer plan. My apologies for not making that clearer