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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Urological problems Doctors think its in my head!
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Urological problems Doctors think its in my head!
by Chris__0__0, Feb 08, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Doctor,
I am a 30 year old married male. I am a very stressed out and
anxious person. For 7 months now I have been experiencing some
very unpleasant urological problems. In short, I have had constant
burning in my urethra and pain in my testicle. Urination and
ejaculation can be very uncomfortable. I have seen many
doctors and urologist who have performed many different tests and
cultures (ie. chlamydia, gonorrhea, UTI's, cystoscpy, ultrasounds
and many more) all which came back negative. I have been treated with
many different types of antibiotics, none which were successful.
This condition has effected my sex life with my wife and also has
led me to a state of depression. However, I do agree with my doctor
that stress and anxiety does intensify my present condition, but
I believe that it is NOT the cause of it.
For the past several months my doctor has prescribed 150mg of
Wellbutrin twice a day. This has really been helpful for me
and has allowed me to better accept my condition. Overall, my life has
returned to normal even though my symptoms still persist.
To help me with my stress and anxiety levels, I have been seeing
a therapist along with a psychiatrist, I have been receiving
psychotherapy through my primary, and now I am trying boi-feedback.
I am also taking Serzone at bedtime to help me sleep. I was previously
taking xanax, but was afraid I would come dependent on it.
I have made a tremendous improvement mentally, but like I said,
I am still experiencing this discomfort. These symptoms are very much
real and no doctor can give me an explanation without making me feel
as if I am imagining it.
Is is really possible that a person can imagine this?
Can you give me any advice of what my next step should be. At this
point, I have done everything that was advised to me.
The therapy has really helped me to get me life back, but has not
helped me physically. Any response will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You,
Chris
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS.MD-AJ, Feb 08, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Chris,
It is unclear if your symptoms are organic, or psychological, or a combination of both. It is important to continue to work with your urologist as he continues to evaluate your symptoms. Constant burning and pain in the urethra and testicles is an unusual presentation of a psychiatric illness. However, there are psychiatric disorders that present with primarily physical symptoms. If your physical symptoms have continued for longer than 6 months, and can not be explained by any medical condition or investigation, it is possible that you have a somatoform disorder, which includes a number of psychiatric illnesses with primarily physical symptoms. Somatoform disorders are seen in about 5 percent of patients attending general medical clinics, and may co-exist with depressive and anxiety disorders. The good news is that group therapy can be very helpful. In addition, there are a number of non-addictive medications that can successfully treat your anxiety and depression.
I hope you find this information helpful. It is provided for general medical educational purposes only, and should not replace consultation with your doctor for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your problems.
*Keywords: somatoform, hypochondriasis, anxiety, depression
