anxiety and paranoia, or something else???

[imcrazy2]

I have posted before, and I have panic disorder with severe free-floating anxiety, coupled with some moderate depression.  I am wondering if a normal component of anxiety is paranoia, or if it means something else.  I have a huge fear of schizophrenia (I am a 30 y/o female with family members on both sides suffering from schizophrenia, in addition to other mental illnesses).  I have moments when I have trouble convincing myself that nobody has drugged my food or drink, or that I am not going to dive into psychosis.  Most of my fears relating to this stem from long-ago LSD use, and the HORRID detatched, depersonalization sensations that accompany hallucinogens.  Is it possible to have side effects from drug use that pops up many years later, or would I have been immediately affected? Did I damage my brain chemistry??  (I'm referring to the stories about people being thrust into permanent psychosis from LSD use).  I should mention that I did it about 10 times, and the last time was over 10 years ago, and the panic attacks and anxiety didn't start until 7 years ago.  The sensations of panic attacks are SO remniscent of a "trip", that it makes them even worse.
I also had terrible postpartum issues that were diagnosed as "possible postpartum psychosis", even though I was on prozac (since switched to paxil, and now effexor).  
These paranoid moments are much better with the medication I'm on, but I would like to hear that paranoia is not unusual with anxiety.  Plus, how would I know if I was becoming schizophrenic, or if I am suffering long-term effects of drugs??--everything I read about psychosis or schizophrenia has to do with family members noticing strange behavior, but would I actually FEEL myself "losing it"?
Sorry about the random, rambling tone, but I'm having a rough night.  Thanks!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The answer is yes, you could feel yourself slipping, but from what you have said, it is very likely that your paranoia is coming from a combination of factors, that include current anxiety actually recruiting old bad experiences, leading you into an endless loop of old worries that helps you avoid the real and current source of your anxiety...that is something you should explore in therapy.

[sparkeler]

Yes, paranoia is a form of anxiety.  If you can't control it, and your paranoid about everything to the point where it's affecting your everyday life, you should be on medicine and in therapy. I'm not quite sure if your past LSD use is what is causing your paranoia now, but It's not schizaphrenia.  Usually people w/shizaphrenia will notice signs in their late teens early 20's and tends to worsen from there.  Lots of people have irrational fears (paranoia) that they obsess over.  It's all a form of anxiety/depression. Believe me, I have (had) my share and it's taking a long time to control it.

[imcrazy2]

Hi, Jonathan.....was really sort of hoping to hear from you on this one.....also, just curious what brings you to the forum--working with anxious patients, or firsthand experience?

[sweet_ahorty18]

Dont feel bad, im the same way and im only 18. I am afraid of eating veggies because of ecoli and i am afraid of taking meds cuz i am afraid they gave me the wrong ones or that ill have side affects. They put me on Prozac for severe panic attacks. I would wake my mom up at 3 am and told her that i was afraid i was going to die. Once i took a prozac i got real scared and ever sence then i have been dealing with this all on my own. Heres what helps me
Write yourself a letter. Tell your self that there is nothing wrong in your life that your completly happy. Tell yourself that you control your life and you cannot control the world. Give yourself confidence.Even if you dont believe it. Just read it out loud over and over and over. Praying works wonders. Ever sence i started writting myself those letters and reading them aloud over and over I got better but once i started praying that God would make me better I got better over a couple of days cuz i kept praying and givving my self confidence. Hey email me and we can talk. I still get panic attacks sometimes. My address is
destinys_angel_17***@****

[sweet_ahorty18]

by the way i tryed smoking weed to make myself feel calm but it only made it worse.

[Sobriety]

POSSIBLE DUE TO LSD IN PAST IF GREAT AMTS WERE INGESTED!!! SEEK THERAPY ASAP!!!

[imcrazy2]

Are you TRYING to freak me out??  How on earth is therapy going to help if I have damaged my brain?  And where do you get your info from???

[Sobriety]

FROM A MED STUDENT -ME- IS MY SOURCE-SYMPTOMATICALLY NO OBVIOUS THING JUMPS OUT AT ME TO NOTE NEUROLOGICAL DAMAGE. IT'S PROBABLE TO BE PSYCHOSOMATIC PARTLY AND POSSIBLY SOME CHEMISTRY A LITTLE OFF FROM D/U HISTORY.. YOU BY FAR NEED ADJUNCT THERAPY IN COUNSELING W/ MEDICATION FOR SURE.. WISH YOU LUCK... TRYAND NOT ANALYZE YOUR OWN SIT. YOU ARE CREATING MORE PARANOIA THAN YOU'VE GOT!!!!! GIVE IT A REST!!!