Posted by Prefect on May 7, 2013, at 21:31:26
I'm beginning to wonder if the conditions known as "anxiety" and "panic disorder" should be seen as two very distinct conditions with very different pharmacology and brain chemical states (even possibly opposing chemical states).
I, for instance, suffer from agoraphobia, which I've been told is a complication of panic disorder. When I go out, my level of anxiety is directly linked to my distance from my house. But when I'm not faced with a phobic situation, I'm extremely serene and calm. I deal with life problems with a collected mind and my mind is usually a ghost town when not being used for a specific function. But put me 30 km from my house, I will get panicky for a little while until I calm down. This condition can be very debilitating.
I know people, on the other hand, who suffer from "anxiety" or GAD. They're constant worriers and they obsess about stuff. It's as if there is a mental activation that will not turn off. This is certainly not me.
But it seems both groups are prescribed the same medication. I'm wondering if the experts on this site can have input on the difference between these two conditions and what possible meds would be more suitable for my type of condition.
Thanks folks!
poster:Prefect
thread:1043349
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20130501/msgs/1043349.html