A Life of Fear

[Deus_Ex_Lemur]

Frankly, a lot of ppl with SP have some GAD, etc. olnly natural. Varying levels. Ppl with mainly GAD have some SP too, varying levels. Everyones different. At the end of the day, it's all irrational fear based compounded with negative thoughts and low-self esteem/image - and all affects your quality of life and living it.

But it helps knowing you arent alone, despite even feeling that way even here, everyones case is unique. What helps me, is knowing and getting to know others who struggle with similar fears, support is vital to the fight.

 

[Falkor]

Actually, Saskia, I do have GAD. I am ALWAYS anxious. Anxiety is my regular state, as opposed to relaxed like most people. You and I definitely seem to operate the same in that aspect (well, except for roller coasters - yeesh, how can you LIKE those things? haha)

I never talked to someone who deals with GAD too, having so many fears, like me and having anxiety as a regular state instead of being relaxed. Have you been anxious in your childhood as well? Just wondering, because I developed SA in my teens, but I was anxious as a child too, thinking back of dentists and such . Oh and feeling scared when someone is driving really hard when I'm sitting in the car, I'm really careful with everything, although i don't like to seem so weak, i can't help for being so careful about everything. but i do like extreme sports like skating and snowboarding and those things, but i don't like climbing mountains for example, because i'm terrifying of falling.
and i would never bungeejump, that's an ultimate step though.

 

[Beatrice]

Yes, Saskia, I was always anxious as a child. Most of those fear I named were from my childhood - I've overcome most of them now. But I still get nervous when getting on the escalators that go down And I just learned how to ride a bicycle without training wheels a couple years ago - I'm not kidding. I was 17. lol

 

[coyote]

Yes, Saskia, I was always anxious as a child. Most of those fear I named were from my childhood - I've overcome most of them now. But I still get nervous when getting on the escalators that go down And I just learned how to ride a bicycle without training wheels a couple years ago - I'm not kidding. I was 17. lol

don't feel bad, I finally just learned to ride a bicycle a few years ago, too

was always too scared of making a fool of myself before

 

[Deus_Ex_Lemur]

^^You're never too old to learn/do something! Unless you want to be a youth champion of something. (also I learned how to ride a bike when I was 20)

 

[Beatrice]

don't feel bad, I finally just learned to ride a bicycle a few years ago, too

was always too scared of making a fool of myself before

Wow, so I'm not alone, hehe.

 

[Beatrice]

Oops, didn't see your reply, Lemur. Wow. I really thought I was a very rare case for that. I see that is not true

 

[Falkor]

okay well eventually u did it , thats the way !!^^
My parents only let me drive the streets when I was 12 ::, Because they were afraid cuz I was an anxious child, that I would get an accident, but I'm even more aware, I look around twice or even more if I need to cross the street with my bike. my grandmother is afraid of driving, but i know i really want a driving license cuz i dont want to be independent of everyone, but its all in the family,anxiety is genetic here, and my parents are over protective, and controlling in my point of view, but they want the best for me, but i need to stand on my feet , but its hard for both to let go.
im happy u did beat a lot of fears u've had, congratz!!
seems like, life gets easier every day

 

[Beatrice]

Thank you, Saskia. I wish the same for you. I still have many fears but my biggest of course is my SA. I know it will get easier in time, but I just hope that I realize my vision for myself - to be as close to normal in my interactions as possible.

 

[Steppen-Wolf]

Yes, Saskia, I was always anxious as a child. Most of those fear I named were from my childhood - I've overcome most of them now. But I still get nervous when getting on the escalators that go down And I just learned how to ride a bicycle without training wheels a couple years ago - I'm not kidding. I was 17. lol

I'm 21 and I still haven't learned how to ride a bicycle LOL.


Anxiety is truly a horrible feeling, specially when it becomes a constant in your life. But in my personal experience it is true that facing your fears is the best solution, not because it makes them dissapear, but because it makes you feel that you're no longer just a helpless victim getting beat by life, scared even of you own shadow.

Sometimes you'll fail when facing those fears, but that's not important because it's all about having some level of control over your own life, that makes all the difference in the world.

 

[hoddesdon]

It would seem that you have misread the book. The author recalled an incident where she had to convince a patient, 'Marie' that social anxiety is a real illness and real medications could help. The antibiotic in her story was prescribed for bronchitis and a sinus infection, not a mental blockage of new feelings. The author discusses the pros and cons of various conventional medications and even has a chart, from which antibiotics are rather conspicuously absent.

Painfully Shy: How to Overcome ... - Google Books

Au contraire, "Mr Peaslee". I have not been home yet, so I have not been able to check the book, but I am sure it does say that antibiotics help to make CBT effective.

When I referred to other sources saying the same thing, here is one:

Use of an Antibiotic as an Enhancer for the Treatment of Social Phobia - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

This is a quote from it:

"This study examines whether an antibiotic, d-cycloserine (DCS), boosts the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for social anxiety. CBT has been shown to be effective for the treatment of social anxiety in children and adults, but even after treatment, approximately 40% may remain diagnosable. The antibiotic DCS has been shown to enhance the type of learning that is promoted by exposure therapy, a main component of CBT. This study will test whether DCS can improve the effectiveness of CBT for social anxiety."

The antibiotic DCS has been shown to enhance the type of learning that is promoted by exposure therapy, a main component of CBT - that is what I said.

 

[Deus_Ex_Lemur]

Au contraire, "Mr Peaslee". I have not been home yet, so I have not been able to check the book, but I am sure it does say that antibiotics help to make CBT effective.

When I referred to other sources saying the same thing, here is one:

Use of an Antibiotic as an Enhancer for the Treatment of Social Phobia - Full Text View - ClinicalTrials.gov

This is a quote from it:

"This study examines whether an antibiotic, d-cycloserine (DCS), boosts the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for social anxiety. CBT has been shown to be effective for the treatment of social anxiety in children and adults, but even after treatment, approximately 40% may remain diagnosable. The antibiotic DCS has been shown to enhance the type of learning that is promoted by exposure therapy, a main component of CBT. This study will test whether DCS can improve the effectiveness of CBT for social anxiety."

The antibiotic DCS has been shown to enhance the type of learning that is promoted by exposure therapy, a main component of CBT - that is what I said.

And tests are still ongoing. It's like tests using anti-depressants to serve a similar function during CBT/exposure therapies. There's no golden arrow; I look forward to seeing the results of this test, I am sure there will be positive results and if any tests prior have been done. I guess my own point was not to go out and try antibiotics in hope it's going to unblock feelings; and no guarantees like any drug. I know that wasn't what you were saying either, Hoddes. But thanks for this article. It clears up what you were trying to say.

 

[hoddesdon]

This is another study on this topic from 2006:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16520435

"CONCLUSION: The pilot data provide preliminary support for the use of short-term dosing of d-cycloserine as an adjunctive intervention to exposure therapy for SAD."

To me, this is an important point. It could be viewed as fertiliser for CBT.

 

[NathanielWingatePeaslee]

Well maybe it wasn't in 'Painfully Shy', but this is certainly interesting stuff.

As best I can tell, this is the most recent study on it: D-Cycloserine Enhancement of Exposure in Social Phobia

Is anyone in the Boston area here? They seem to still be recruiting.

ETA: I find it encouraging, if somewhat puzzling, that this study is PHASE IV while the one you posted is PHASE II

Study Phase

Most clinical trials are designated as phase I, II, III, or IV, based on the type of questions that study is seeking to answer:

In Phase I clinical trials, researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.

In Phase II clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.

In Phase III clinical trials, the study drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.

In Phase IV clinical trials, post marketing studies delineate additional information including the drug's risks, benefits, and optimal use.

These phases are defined by the Food and Drug Administration in the Code of Federal Regulations.

 

[I_jailed_me]

I want to remove my amygdala which is the part of the brain which causes fear.

Still around? How have u been?

 

[Falkor]

I want to remove my amygdala which is the part of the brain which causes fear.

wow, is that possible? isn't that dangerous? fear is a natural emotion?

 

[Beatrice]

I'm in the Boston area.

 

[NathanielWingatePeaslee]

I'm in the Boston area.

D'oh! Of course. You're the OP and it's right there in your thingy.

You should seriously apply for that! That would be awesome if you could get free treatments (I'm guessing they would have to pay for more than just the antibiotics because they would need to control the CBT and all that too).