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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Squiggles on October 5, 2007, at 7:03:30
I've often wondered if phobia and anxiety
are not confused in the behaviour of such
dx's as generalized anxiety disorder.I have severe anxiety reactions in very specific
situations, and yet have been prescribed a daily
dose of clonazepam. The question has crossed
my mind, that perhaps a stimulant might not
be more appropriate is phobic reactions to habituated situations.Has anyone tried a stimulant for phobia?
Phobias may be mistaken for anxiety because
that is part of the emotional spectrum in phobias. But phobias are basically fear-based,
avoidance reactions. Is an anxiolytic really the best drug for this state?Squiggles
Posted by torachan on October 5, 2007, at 8:34:08
In reply to GAD - phobia or anxiety?, posted by Squiggles on October 5, 2007, at 7:03:30
Your autonomic nervous system, specifically the fight or flight response, is in a heightened state of arousal when experiencing a phobic reaction. This leads to symptoms of anxiety like increased heartrate and adrenaline levels with resulting uneasiness and feelings of dread. I highly doubt if stimulants would help to alleviate this condition of arousal. A sedative is the only way.
Posted by fuzz54 on October 5, 2007, at 11:31:19
In reply to Re: GAD - phobia or anxiety?, posted by torachan on October 5, 2007, at 8:34:08
The clonazepam will help phobia and anxiety. In fact, it is good to have it in your system on a daily basis since the time it takes for clonazepam to work after ingestion is often too long (1 hour or so) to relieve the phobias quick onset. As for the difference between GAD and phobia, perhaps there is a connection. It makes sense to me that an irrational anxiety in certain situations can lead to full blown phobias over time, although I have no idea what your particular situation is.
There are nasal delivery systems for benzos (Xanax I think) in the works that deliver much quicker relief for phobia reactions, but those are still probably 3 to 5 years away. A benzo can be absorbed into the brain much quicker nasally than through the stomach.
Posted by Phillipa on October 5, 2007, at 12:30:36
In reply to Re: GAD - phobia or anxiety?, posted by fuzz54 on October 5, 2007, at 11:31:19
My pdoc said a stimulant would send me over the roof with my anxiety. I think anxiety leads to phobias as the anxiety gets worse as being afraid to be alone didn't used to be now am. Phillipa
Posted by Netch on October 5, 2007, at 16:28:57
In reply to GAD - phobia or anxiety?, posted by Squiggles on October 5, 2007, at 7:03:30
If you have racing thoughts you might be helped with a moodstabilizer
This is the end of the thread.
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