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What Causes Anxiety, Severe Exhaustion And Binge Eating?

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Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Question: hi i've suffered from severy anxiety and some panic attacks they were all due to a bad childhood and then from severe burnout after kids and taking care of elderly parent. i've been pretty good i dont take any meds the only once they gave me were xanax for when i needed it. i used it for about 8 months,slept well and actually got my nerves and my severe exhaustion under control but have had another baby which is 2 and feeling very anxious and tired at the same time.. i am not recharging at night i am waking up tired. same symptoms. i usually binge eat at night because it relaxes me but i've gained 50 pounds in 2 years.. what is going on with me.. i seem to do better when everything is quiet and i am alone.. i seemed to need alot of relax time but i cant do that all day i have a family and children to take care of. i almost feel i cant take care of my duties and i wish i could be in bed all day. i am not depressed i feel like i am overwhelmed with things to do and i am getting anxious. i dont know if i should take med again.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Gupta (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You should initiate treatment for your symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I went through your query in detail and can understand what you must be going through. You definitely seem to be have been through a lot in your life.

From what you have mentioned, you are having a lot of anxiety related symptoms that is troubling you currently. I understand that you had benefited a lot from xanax (alprazolam) the last time you took it. But then alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine is good a long as you take it. It controls the symptoms but the leaves the disease at the same place. Moreover, there is always a chance that you might get dependent on the these benzodiazepines.

Had I been your psychiatrist, I would have offered you two options. First treatment with medications from the group selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like paroxetine or escitalopram. These SSRIs help in treating anxiety disorders effectively and very safe.

The second option would be treatment with psychotherapy in form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It consists of sessions focusing on learning relaxation and changing and maladaptive though pattern which is leading to anxiety. Of course, both medications and CBT can be tried together as well.

I would suggest that you should seek a psychiatric consultation soon enough and decide on the further course of action accordingly.

I do hope that I was able to help you out in some way. Please let me know if I can be of any further help.

Best wishes,

Dr. Sunil Gupta






Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sunil Gupta (5 hours later)
yes i did have congnitive therapy and xanax. the problem is i was good for about 5 years until i had my baby then my anxiety returned. even my binging ended. i lost alot of weight, really good. it seems to happen to me after having a baby. i actually want to feel great and excited but something just does not let me. the binging is out of control thats the main reason why i'm gonna get a doctor soon. i want to lose weight and feel good . so i will see to it. thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sunil Gupta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
All the best.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for following up. I am sure with adequate treatment, you will soon be able to get rid of your anxiety and binge eating and get back to your normal self again.

Please let me know if there is any thing more that I can help you with. If you have no further queries, please do close the discussion and rate the answer.

Wishing you a very speedy recovery,

Dr. Sunil Gupta
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Sunil Gupta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 637 Questions

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What Causes Anxiety, Severe Exhaustion And Binge Eating?

Brief Answer: You should initiate treatment for your symptoms. Detailed Answer: Hi, I went through your query in detail and can understand what you must be going through. You definitely seem to be have been through a lot in your life. From what you have mentioned, you are having a lot of anxiety related symptoms that is troubling you currently. I understand that you had benefited a lot from xanax (alprazolam) the last time you took it. But then alprazolam, which is a benzodiazepine is good a long as you take it. It controls the symptoms but the leaves the disease at the same place. Moreover, there is always a chance that you might get dependent on the these benzodiazepines. Had I been your psychiatrist, I would have offered you two options. First treatment with medications from the group selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) like paroxetine or escitalopram. These SSRIs help in treating anxiety disorders effectively and very safe. The second option would be treatment with psychotherapy in form of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). It consists of sessions focusing on learning relaxation and changing and maladaptive though pattern which is leading to anxiety. Of course, both medications and CBT can be tried together as well. I would suggest that you should seek a psychiatric consultation soon enough and decide on the further course of action accordingly. I do hope that I was able to help you out in some way. Please let me know if I can be of any further help. Best wishes, Dr. Sunil Gupta