Posted by cindy on April 25, 1999, at 18:22:35
I have always been painfully shy and as I got older the shyness only worsened. By the time I was 18 I was already a full blown alcoholic because I would use alcohol to ease my social anxieties. After I quit drinking the anxiety increased to crippling levels. Because the anxiety was so generalized I could not avoid all of the situatios that would provoke it. Instead, I began to dissociate. About 6-7 years ago I began to experience periods of depersonalization and derealization. These feelings quickly became the norm, and now I live with them 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I have tried prozac, tofranil, buspar,and vistaril all to no avail. I tried xanax once and it seemed to be lifting the DP somewhat but because of my substance abuse hx the MD wouldn't continue giving it to me. Although the DP has allowed me a social freedom that I have not experienced before, it has also greatly reduced the quality of life for me. Things that would normally have a great emotional impact, such as the birth of a child, slip by in a dreamy haze. I am no longer afraid to speak with strangers because everything feels so unreal. I know that the social phobia is the underlying cause of the DP. What I need to know is what medication would be best in this case? Any advice wuld be appreciated.
Thanks,
Cindy
poster:cindy
thread:5291
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990401/msgs/5291.html