Posted by Racer on September 18, 2004, at 14:11:02
In reply to Physical causes of aniety, posted by Alex01 on September 18, 2004, at 3:10:00
Well, the basic mechanism for anxiety is always the same, really. Doesn't matter what the cause is, the physical response uses the same mechanisms, which involve the HPA axis and often the liver as well.
I don't know that there are any tests that are going to be useful for you, since they'll only tell you that you are tense and anxious, not why. You already know that you're anxious, right?
As to what to do about it, which is probably a better question to ask, there are about a dozen options, ranging from biofeedback through psychotherapy through low doses of anti-psychotics or anti depressants all the way to beta blockers. It depends on your body, your doctor, what you've tried before, and a host of other factors. If the anxiety has a distinct psychological component for you, then something like the AP or a benzo might be most helpful. If the psychological side of it is under control -- and your doctor believes that -- then addressing the physical side might involve something like a beta blocker, or mood stabilizer.
If you can be a little more specific about what your symptoms consist of, and what you've tried in the past, and maybe something about your general health and any comorbid conditions, someone here can probably give you a more specific suggestion.
Hope that helps.
poster:Racer
thread:392243
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/392334.html