shaking/anxiety

Hi.  Thanks in advance for your time, this is a really helpful forum.
My question is about what medication (if any) might be appropriate for my problem.  Ever since I was about 14 (I'm 25 now) I get so nervous around people I start shaking, very visibly.  Lately it's gotten to the point that I can't concentrate on what people are saying because I'm so self-conscious about the fact that I'm nervous and trembling when there's absolutely no reason for me to be.  I really enjoy being around people, but I avoid it as much as possible because of this problem, and that really gets annoying.  If I have to speak in front of a group or am put on the spot in some way it gets unbearable.  My heart pounds, my throat constricts, and I shake almost to the point of convulsions. It's like an out of body experience--but in my mind, I don't feel nervous at all, just irritated as hell by my own body which is making people look at me like I'm a basketcase. I love to play music and to perform, but this problem makes it impossible to do that in front of anyone but close friends because my hands freeze up when I'm nervous and I can't coordinate them.  I know speaking/performing in front of people is a common phobia, but I'd really rather set myself on fire than do it, and that doesn't seem normal.  My mother has the same problem, and my grandmother, who used to be a concert pianist, had to quit playing because of it.
     Anyway, I'd like to know what this disorder or whatever it is could be, and what kind of medication might help.  I've never seen a therapist or a psychiatrist, and I'm not on any meds right now.  Aside from flipping out for no reason and hating myself because of it, physically I feel fine.  Thanks.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

What you describe is a special variant of social anxiety.  You could probably benefit a great deal from talking this through with a psychiatrist or therapist, and also trying some safe longer term anti-anxiety medication like Buspar.

You might want to look for a therapist who works with images.  Since your anxiety is set off in very specific situations, there is a controlling image of the "dangerous,critical other" that must come into play.  Isolating that image is the pathway to working out this problem.

[shubunkin]

You sound alot like I did. My whole life ( I am 28) I have had serious social anxiety. I finally went to the doctor and was prescibed 20 mg Paxil. It has made all the difference in the world. I now want to go places and  do things and be around people. I can carry on conversations. I am not saying meds are what you should do. If you can beat this with counceling I urge you too. But my way is through the meds and they have changed my life. All the best to you! Danielle