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Bipolar Disorder/Recent mental health problems.

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Expert: - 11/17/2011


Question
Hi. I am 31 yrs old. I started having panic attacks and agoraphobia at age 12, and have been on medicine pretty much ever since. For the last 5 years, I have taken xanax 1mg 3 times a day, and paxil 20mg 2 times a day. I recently started having  problems with both panic and depression to the point of missing work and not wanting to leave home. I have a constant feeling of guilt and "dread" that will not go away.

My work dropped my insurance about 11 months ago, so Ive been taking my medicine through a friend who has the same problems, and is on the same medications, because I couldnt afford them.
(I know that is VERY stupid, but I was desperate!)


I was wandering what to tell my doctor if I go back and if it is time for new medications, and will different brands (but of the same type) work any better?

Thank you much, James.

Answer
Hi James,

It is so sad to see a case like yours, because generally anxiety attacks are easily treated by nutritional means. Drugs for anxiety only mask symptoms and do nothing to address the underlying metabolic disorder that is responsible for anxiety attacks. People with anxiety attacks usually suffer from hypoglycemia. This causes the person to produce excess stress hormones. These stress hormones function to supply the brain with energy (glucose), but also are responsible for feelings of anxieties.  The brain is very sensitive to glucose levels, that go up and down in hypoglycemia.  Please read and discuss with your doctor the following article:

Beating Anxiety and Phobias at:
http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/beating_anxiety.html

and discuss with a Nutritional Doctor, Clinical Nutritionist or Nutritional Psychotherapist. Most people can overcome the problem by adopting the hypoglycemic diet (See our web site).
For more information use our "Search our Web Site" or INDEX and look for articles containing  topics entered in search engine.

_______________________________________________
Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist.
Hon. Editor of
The Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia.
www.hypoglycemia.asn.au
Author of "Getting off the Hook"
Freely available at Google Book Search
Skype: jurplesman

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Jurriaan Plesman, Nutritional Psychotherapist

Expertise

Have worked as a psychotherapist for overv twenty years, dealing with many personality disorders

Experience

I have a degree in Psychology from the Sydney University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Nutrition. I am also the author of “GETTING OFF THE HOOK” which deals with the nutritional and psychological treatment of personality disorders. It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. I am interested in the relationship between nutrition and behaviour, and as a Probation ans Parole Officer facilitated groups for offenders, many of whom were alcoholics and drug addicts, sex offenders or compulsive gamblers, as well as the whole gamut of “personality disorders”. I am also the ex-editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia Newsletter, a quarterly publication dealing with hypoglycemia and related health problems. Its web site, together with a shortened course of PSYCHOTHERAPY can be visited at: http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Organizations
Editor of the Hypoglycemic Health Association of Australia. Its web site is at:

http://www.hypoglycemia.asn.au

Publications
Author of the book "Getting off the Hook", It is freely available on the internet at Google Book Search. Various articles in the Hypoglycemic Health Association's Newsletters

Education/Credentials
BA (Psych) (University of Sydney), Post Gad Dip Clin Nutr (International Academy of Nutrition)

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