Thanks to those who have replied to my previous post. Saw my psychiatrist yesterday and went through a list of my symptoms. Which include:
- Fear of meetings, conferences which I have to attend. I sit there sweating fearing I am going to lose control.
- Fear of going out to dinner with friends. So anxious I can't eat
- Always sitting close to a door when in a room of people so I can leave when I want
- Fear of driving, after a serious car crash.
- I'm studying to do a PhD and in some lectures I am so anxious I can't take in what's being talked about. Also when I have to give a talk, I do, but hate it. I'm told I do really well but I hate doing it. I guess this is down to years of hiding my anxiety.
She told me I have a case of text book agoraphobia panic disorder. A part of me feels relieved. I've had this disorder since 2006 and its been hell. I was self medicating through alcohol, to a dangerous level, which I understand adds to anxiety, but I've cut back.
I've been on 10mg Diazepan for about two years. Not everyday. Maybe once or twice a week when I felt a panic attack coming on. She now has me on 30mg Mirtazapine which I started last night. A couple of question:
i) What to expect from Mirtazapine? ( She called it a mild anti depressant.)
ii) How long does it take to kick in?
iii) Should I quit alcohol altogether.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Anselm