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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Overcome Depression/anxiety

I am currently seeing a physiatrist for depression/anxiety. I have had these symptoms since my early 20's and I am 31. I am taking Lexapro 20 milligram at night for these symptoms. I have been doing so for the past 6 months. I have really bad social anxiety to the point where I do not like being around others at all because of it. I feel like the Lexapro is not helping. This has started to affect my sleep and how I interact with others. I recently Quit my job due to this issue. I took a medical leave (3 weeks) and after returning I could not deal with the stress. I should tell you I am a former meth addict for 8 years and have been clean for 3 years now. I eat well (no fast food or processed food), and exercise daily- when I don't have what I call my episodes. I go for several days now without practicing personal hygiene or having contact with others because It only stresses me out more. I am not sure what to do or if any other medicine would help. Please advise.
Thu, 24 Jul 2014
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for the query. Based on your symptom profile; your main underlying problem is social anxiety or excessive unwarranted fears of unfavorable scrutiny by other people, superiors etc. The treatment of same is usually multipronged with SSRI type medications, anxiolytics (clonazepam, etizolam etc.) (escitalopram/lexapro is one of the type of SSRI) and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be taught various methods to cope & overcome your anxiety like exposure & response prevention (ERP), imaginal exposure, role playing, mindfulness based interventions, autogenic relaxation training etc. You need to consult a Psychologist or ask your current Psychiatrist for help. Try to relax, try to also practice yoga & pranayama in addition to all these to stay relax. Good Luck
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Suggest Ways To Overcome Depression/anxiety

Hi, thanks for the query. Based on your symptom profile; your main underlying problem is social anxiety or excessive unwarranted fears of unfavorable scrutiny by other people, superiors etc. The treatment of same is usually multipronged with SSRI type medications, anxiolytics (clonazepam, etizolam etc.) (escitalopram/lexapro is one of the type of SSRI) and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). In CBT you will be taught various methods to cope & overcome your anxiety like exposure & response prevention (ERP), imaginal exposure, role playing, mindfulness based interventions, autogenic relaxation training etc. You need to consult a Psychologist or ask your current Psychiatrist for help. Try to relax, try to also practice yoga & pranayama in addition to all these to stay relax. Good Luck