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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 Jeffrey on December 11, 2003, at 16:46:05
Hi,
I have been having great anxiety about a series of xrays my wife had while she was pregnant and the possible cancer this could have given my unborn child. I am told by experts that the risk of cancer induced by the xrays is very small. Still the anxiety persists. She is currently 5 months pregnant. I am taking medication Effexor and clonazapam, which has helped control the severity and frequency of my negative thoughts. However, I am still very anxious. I have begun seeing a psychologist who practices cognitive behaviour therapy. He has asked that I work through a "story" of a worst case scenario of the x-ray/pregancy issue. After perfecting the story under his supervision, I will record the story into a tape recorder and listen to it daily in the hopes of desensitizing me to the fear and lessoning my anxiety. Before beginning therapy, my approach has been to distract myself and try not think about this.I would appreciate any thoughts on the above treatment plan. I have some concerns that I am "legitimizing the fear" by repeating it to myself.
Best wishes to everyone,
Jeffrey
Posted by Kalamatianos on December 12, 2003, at 5:15:18
In reply to cognitive exposure therapy, posted by Jeffrey on December 11, 2003, at 16:46:05
Starting with Albert Ellis in the 50's, Cognitive Therapy has produced many positive results by addressing the common threads of most emotional upsetness, thinking and thought. If I try to process something I see through booger stained glasses, my results will be second rate to someone with clear vision. Likewise if my thinking is messy and filled with faulty beliefs, I can't make appropriate decisions for the context of the situation. Doing this over and over again, generation after generation, building layer upon layer of confusion, my family style will be a disaster (and it was).
Exposure to the theory of cognitive therapy has taught me to avoid avoidance. If I try not to think about an issue, I am avoiding the tougher questions while making myself miserable.
Two things about x-rays: 1. They are no longer really x or gamma rays. 2. Doctors aren't crazy and negligent and messy. They stick very close to a very safe limit. Radiation knowledge has been pretty carefully understood and carefully administered ever since Hiroshima. Now that was messy.
Take care.
Posted by Dinah on December 12, 2003, at 9:15:02
In reply to cognitive exposure therapy, posted by Jeffrey on December 11, 2003, at 16:46:05
I've heard frequently of that technique, and understand it has a pretty good track record. Like any other therapy technique, it works better for some people than others. And of course it works better with a skilled practitioner as well, who will make sure it's done in such a way that it won't sensitize you more rather than desensitize you. Do you have a good feeling about your therapist? Do you trust his capabilities?
There are also a lot of other cognitive techniques that can be used in this situation. Has your therapist gone over those with you?
I've been diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder which brings up a lot of the sorts of thoughts you are describing. I've had a great deal of success with CBT in controlling those thoughts. I've never actually used the loop tape, but I have sung the frightening thought, challenged the thought, etc.
Good luck with it, and let us know how it works. :)
Posted by Jeffrey on December 22, 2003, at 14:14:39
In reply to Re: cognitive exposure therapy » Jeffrey, posted by Dinah on December 12, 2003, at 9:15:02
Thanks for your thoughtful replies. I will let you know how it goes. Best wishes for the holidays.
This is the end of the thread.
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