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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by chess on September 3, 2005, at 17:30:23
saw my doc today
she said i have GAD (general anxiety disorder) and that it is a chronic condition
i've been on Lexapro and she wants me to take Xanax XR again to lower my anxiety
i'm working but i'm struggling and everyday i'm still afraid of the usual fears (fear of going crazy, losing control, embarassment, and lately i'm obsessed/afraid of dying and death)
i tried Xanax before and it helped, but after i stopped taking it my anxiety is worse and i'm not sure if xanax lowered my normal threshold for handling anxiety or if my anxiety was just that bad and xanax works for it
i've also been on Lexapro for a while
...has anyone ever tried to handle or even lower their anxiety using just exposure and CBT?
thanks all
Posted by alexandra_k on September 4, 2005, at 18:25:35
In reply to GAD sufferers, posted by chess on September 3, 2005, at 17:30:23
> ...has anyone ever tried to handle or even lower their anxiety using just exposure and CBT?I don't know that you can use exposure for GAD. Because... The object of the anxiety is 'free floating' (which just means that there isn't an object or that the object varies) in contrast to specific phobias (e.g., fear of flying, spiders, open spaces etc).
What can be helpful for GAD is relaxation techniques / mindfulness meditation.
I think the general findings are that...
Medication alone offers some relief
Therapy strategies (e.g., relaxation techniques) alone offers some relief.
Most effective is a combination of both.I am wary of medications for anxiety.
Mostly because I find the benzo's to be a little too effective...
And then going without becomes a major source of anxiety...But a little something to take the edge off can be of use...
This is the end of the thread.
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