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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Scared and hiding
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.
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Scared and hiding
by Lynn, Sep 04, 1999 12:00AM
I have a history of early abandonment resulting in trust, self confidence, fear of abandonment and attachment issues. In therapy with PTSD which is now under control but resulted in extreme fear; depressed but recently started taking Prozac. History of fear of being in publie such as public speaking, formal events where everything has to be done a certain way, fear of my hands shaking, and people seeing how frigtened i am. Feel like i am out of control when it happens, will drink or do whatever to get out of the situation. I built up a safety zone through the years but now it is gone. Have to reaquaint myself with the real world, ie get a job. Scared to death. Am in therapy but cause of trust issues havent' yet discussed with him. Trusting someone with my feelings will take a long time. Any suggestions on what to do, what this is, or what it is from?
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD - RG, Sep 08, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Lynn,
People suffering from Social Phobia have excessive fears of humiliation or embarrassment in various social settings, such as speaking in public, the use of public rest rooms, and speaking to a date. The cause of phobias or excessive fear proves to be a combination of genetic factor and environmental events. Social Phobia is the third most prevalent psychiatric disorder, although people frequently do not seek help due to embarrassment, or the assumption that they suffer from "shyness".
Both psychotherapy and medication are useful treatment modalities. Some studies indicate the use of both treatment produce better results than either one alone. Drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, and others are very effective, especially when used in combination with talking therapy. I suggest a re-consult with your treating physician and discuss with him your present condition.
The information provided in this Forum is presented for general educational purposes only. Specific questions you have pertaining to your health should always be directed to your personal physician or you may call Henry Ford Behavioral Health at(248) 689-7476 for an evaluation.
I wish you the best,
HFHS MD - RG
*Keyword: Social Phobia
People suffering from Social Phobia have excessive fears of humiliation or embarrassment in various social settings, such as speaking in public, the use of public rest rooms, and speaking to a date. The cause of phobias or excessive fear proves to be a combination of genetic factor and environmental events. Social Phobia is the third most prevalent psychiatric disorder, although people frequently do not seek help due to embarrassment, or the assumption that they suffer from "shyness".
Both psychotherapy and medication are useful treatment modalities. Some studies indicate the use of both treatment produce better results than either one alone. Drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, and others are very effective, especially when used in combination with talking therapy. I suggest a re-consult with your treating physician and discuss with him your present condition.
The information provided in this Forum is presented for general educational purposes only. Specific questions you have pertaining to your health should always be directed to your personal physician or you may call Henry Ford Behavioral Health at(248) 689-7476 for an evaluation.
I wish you the best,
HFHS MD - RG
*Keyword: Social Phobia
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This is not victim support, we are people who want NOT to be victims.
I am not educated in these matters, but I suspect that the younger we are when the damage occurs, the deeper the scars.
Maybe the things we don't even remember are the things that mark us most.
Who should we trust?
No-one.
Trust, like love, is something that should be earned.
I'm tired,
Kevin
From what i understand 5 million people have panic attacks. Mostly women. Chances are you know someone who has them too!?
How long have you been on prozac? If it has only been a while you might find that it will block these fears when it is working fully..after 4-6 weeks. If not, you may want talk to your dr about trying another antidepressant such as Paxil which seems to work for panic attacks and social phobia. As a matter of fact it is FDA approved for the use in panic attacks and social phobia I think.
As far as what causes it...well the latest reading I have done says that panic disorder is caused by some malfunction in brain chemistry. In my case it is hereditary and many in my family have it...but most of them will not talk about it. It has ruined my life at times...or I should say that I have let it ruin my life at times...but now I feel control over it as I think Paxil really helps with it.
I understand your fear of trusting anyone with your fears! I have that feeling to. I have learned though that there are many people out there with these problems and it really helps to talk about it. It is scary though.
I wish you luck.
If you want an email pal write me at
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