Posted by Viridis on June 28, 2003, at 18:05:03
In reply to Re: when is xanax prescribed?, posted by aquestioner on June 28, 2003, at 3:02:16
I think there are some psychiatrists who also do therapy, but my impression (and others here can correct me if I'm wrong) is that psychiatrists tend to stick mainly to the medication side of things and therapists, of course, can't prescribe meds.
However, an approach that seems beneficial for many people is to see both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Sometimes (especially in larger cities) the two will share an office and may work as a team with a patient. I've never been in that situation; I've either had therapy (cognitive was best for me) or psychiatric treatment, not both at once.
The last two therapists I saw were helpful to a point; they helped me realize some self-defeating behavior patterns and personality characteristics that provided important insights. However, both wound up recommending that I see a psychiatrist and get appropriate medication for anxiety and depression. That's what's helped most, and I don't feel much of a need for therapy any more. But many people do both and benefit more than from either alone.
Returning to the Xanax question: you might be able to get a doctor to prescribe it, but even if you can't, for severe anxiety I'd really recommend you try Klonopin (clonazepam). It's another benzodiazepene, but doctors are much more comfortable with it because the risk of abuse is low and it has a longer half-life (= one dose usually works all day). When I said in my previous message that it was "imperceptible", I meant that I don't notice any side effects (beyond some mild initial ones). It's extremely effective for anxiety and depression (for me), and I haven't had to increase the dose at all since I started it two years ago.
In any case, it sounds like the first thing you need to do is find a psychiatrist (and maybe a therapist too) with whom you're comfortable. That really makes all the difference, and is worth the effort. On the medication side, there are so many meds available now that it's almost certain you'll find one or a combination that works -- you just need the right person to help you reach your goal.
Good luck!
poster:Viridis
thread:237591
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030624/msgs/237764.html