Can a Neurologist treat anxiety

[425runner]

He's already treating me for occipital neuralgia but I told him about my panic attacks and he prescribed a few Xanax pills.  I don't know if I should even bother him with stuff like this.  His website says he's board certified in neurology but not psych.  I need Xanax every day to function not just when needed, which is what he thinks.

Should I go see a Psychiatrist? I really like my neuro doc., he's very nice etc. just not sure if he's knowledgeable enough about treating anxiety & depression.  

Any ideas?  Thanks!

[Dougly1959]

I have an abnormal EEG. Myr left bi-lobe does not fire correctly. My neurologist had me on lamictal. I also have a physchatrist who after 2 years has not helped with my anxiety or panic attacks. Won't prescribe benzodiazepines. Went to see psychiatric 2 weeks ago and also put me on gabapentin and took me off buspiron which psychiatrist had me on. Also gave me Xanax to help with anxiety as needed. What is your thought?

[Dr Sharma]

Welcome to the medhelp neurology forum with your query.  I can understand your faith in your neurologist but would like to emphasise  that  depression, anxiety and panic attacks need to be understood and differentiated from each other to be correctly treated.
A neurologist deals with the organic lesions of brain, nerves, spinal cord. A psychiatrist is involved in the disorders of brain involving interplay of neurotransmitters and chemicals causing functional  disorders. He  understands the behavioral aspect of these disorders and undertakes hypnosis when required.
So though xanax or alprazolam is an antianxiety drug, you need to be assessed for other possibilities of panic disorders and depression. The treatment may differ for these.  Hence you need to show to a psychiatrist . I hope this helps. You are most welcome to contact me again for any further query.

[425runner]

Thank you all for your insights!  I don't know much about this medical stuff and it can be very confusing.  As soon as I get the health insurance card in the mail I'll make an appt. to see a psychiatrist.  But yeah...I'll ask my neuro for recommendation first, hopefully he won't think I'm crazy :)

[MMahon]

If you suffer from anxiety and depression then go to a psychiatrist.  They deal with these problems day in and day out and know the medications best.  Psychs know the nervous system very well too.  Xanax is not a good long term treatment for anxiety and does nothing for depression.  No reason why you can't see both.

[hurting007]

Some board certified neurologists are also certified in psychiatry, I think that is pretty normal.  I see a neurologist for some problems I have and I see a psychiatrist for BP1, PTSD etc.  My neurologist will try to prescribe medications that do double duty, or if he thinks the psychiatrist's dosage is wrong he will contact her, or change it himself and write a letter to her.  Some of the neurology/psychiatry issues overlap.  I would bring it up to him, if you haven't.  He could also recommend a good psychiatrist.  Some neurologist offices have a psychiatrist in their practice.

[425runner]

Oops, I just checked the insurance website and it says he is board certified in neurology/psychiatry.  So that means he can treat both issues, right? Neuro symptoms associated with anxiety/depression etc.  

[Londres70]

I would recommend having your PCP/Family Physician refer you to someone to manage your anxiety/depression, i.e. Psychiatrist or a Psychologist.  If you go to a Psychologist your PCP/Family Physician will have to manage your medications that the Psychologist can recommend.