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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Am I Schitzo, paranoid, or something else? Please help!
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
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.
Am I Schitzo, paranoid, or something else? Please help!
by Paulm2008, May 04, 2008 03:30PM
Hi. I've been going to a psychiatrist for about 4 months now. When I first went, he diagnosed me with GAD and depression. He prescribed me Zoloft (100mg) and Xanax (0.25mg/3x a day), and several weeks ago, he had me get off the xanax. He then prescribed me seroquel (100mg) for the anxiety, and it seems to be helping, but I'm still 'paranoid' and have anxiety. I have very strong/weird fears of people. Every time I leave the house, I feel as someone is watching me and it makes my head 'spin'. I'm afraid of what people think of me, or what they might if they see I'm so paranoid. I kinda cant stand it anymore. I cant do things that I have to do or even what I want to do without feeling like I'm racing and trying not to think about my fears. I also have a fear when I talk. I can't really look them in the eye because I'm shy of what i am going through and I dont want them to think I'm so 'up-tight'. Also, I get this sinking heart and 'glob in my throat' feeling. I also cant keep a conversation going because I'm scared/uncomfortable. I feel like I'm not living my life, only 'racing' through it and avoiding obstacles. I cant stand this much anymore. I have to be able to do what I have to do. Do you have any idea what my condition is? Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., May 05, 2008 07:20PM
, May 05, 2008 07:20PM
To: PaulM
I can't make a diagnosis in this forum, and the label itself does not make much difference. It would be very helpful if you ask your psychiatrist to talk to you about your fears and help you sort them out so you benefit from the medication and talk therapy. If he or she does not do that kind of therapy, then ask for a referral. The most important part is the fear, and as you already know intellectually, there is nothing to be afraid of. Now you have to learn that as an emotional truth...that's the way out of this....
Member Comments (2)
by Paulm2008, May 06, 2008 03:46PM
To: Roger Gould, M.D.
Thank you. I will definetly talk to my psychiatrist about a referral. You have been very helpful.
