Panic/Anxiety/Depression vs. Personality Disorder

I am a 42 year old female.  I have suffered from depression and "nervousness" my entire life.  I began self-mulilating at 7 yrs old.  I have seen 6 psychiatrists with as many diagnoses (major depression, post traumatic stress disorder, panic/anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, atypical bi-polar disorder).  I have been treated with more medications than I can remember.  My present physician has decided to take me off Xanax to treat anxiety, so I'm left with Zoloft and Neurontin.  Anxiety has increased to such a level that I feel incapable of leaving home. I realize Xanax is addictive, but it works where all other meds have failed. Granted, I'm not physically addicted to anything now, but I'm incapable of working as well.

Additionally, I have recently discovered that my father (deceased), my brother and my sister have all been treated for OCD.  My 13 year old daughter was recently hospitalized with depression.  I would like to know the main consensus of personality disorders and heredity, as well as medications used to treat borderline personality disorder (which I think might be a sound possibility, although I have never been diagnosed with same), maybe there's something I haven't tried.  Thank you.

kphg
Austin

[HFHS M.D.-SW]

Dear kphg,

Mental illness may have multiple causes.  Heredity or life stressors, may be contributing factors, and sometimes there is no identifible cause.

Your anxiety may attributed to stress or your family history of OCD. Treatment may be Zoloft, Paxil or a Xanax like medication (if addiction or tolerance is not a problem).  Recently, Neurontin has shown to be helpful in the treatment of anxiety.  

In Borderline Personality Disorder the sufferer may present with mood swings (similar to but not as extreme as bipolar), impulsive behavior (spending sprees, substance abuse), self mutilating or suicidal behavior, difficulty maintaining longterm relationships, alternating between extremes of idealization and devaluation, feelings of emptiness similar to depression.
Treatment is primarily with psychotherapy, some medications have been found reduce some of the symptoms.

I recommend you discuss your concerns with your psychiatrist.

Best Wishes,


HFHS M.D.-SW

[Shawn]

Suggest to your Psychiatrist/Therapist to research combination of Depakote and Zoloft.  

Sounds like you might have Borderline Personality Disorder along with Bi-Polar Disorder but only a Doc will know for sure.

Depakote/Zoloft and Lamactal have been a lifesaver for me.

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I have a question.  How would you diagnose a person who has a different personality from one day to the next? .  This is a daughter over 40 who has been addicted to drugs in the past and drinks alcohol every day. The personalities range from mean to pleasant.