Is it worth getting anxiety disorder diagnosed?

[BelleBoyd]

I’m definite I have panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. I’ve had this since childhood and in my forties now. Recently I’ve started taking propranolol which stops the shaking. I have to take this or I can’t work.
Just wondering whether there’s any point getting a diagnosis?
I get the medication online but I’m also taking clopidogrel as a result of a TIA I had 5 years ago and am worried the GP wouldn’t prescribe the propranolol at the same time. Which would mean I couldn’t work and as a single mum that would be very difficult.

I had several weeks of therapy prior to being diagnosed with GAD and actually it felt extremely positive to talk to someone and express my feelings. She also taught me coping mechanisms to deal with situations I found/still find tricky. So absolutely think this was worth having a diagnosis.

I have had lots of talking therapy over the years. But it’s the physical symptoms that are uncontrollable unless I take the medication. I’m not convinced they’re connected to any conscious thought if you know what I mean? Think it’s more of a brain chemistry imbalance but I could be wrong I guess.
Was your GP helpful?

There is very little scientific validity to the precise diagnoses (like PD, SAD) available, and categorising what you're going through may not help. However, this in no way diminishes the suffering you're describing, and - rightly or wrongly - a diagnosis can sometimes get you access to help and support. The "chemical imbalance" theory is not well supported, so the idea of redressing any such imbalance medically is not sound. I don't know what else would be available after diagnosis, as in most places mental health support is pretty shocking at the moment for the "milder" end of things (i.e. no immediate risk).
Exercise, yoga, online support groups...? Can you learn to tolerate the physical manifestations? (I don't say this lightly - like you, I'd have been diagnosable since childhood, though diagnoses have not helped).

Yes I do tolerate the physical side of it and for decades have either suffered through episodes or more often avoided all triggering situations. But I’m in a position now with a new job that I can’t do whilst shaking/fainting every day so I have to take the medication. Have avoided jobs with direct contact with people for years but am having to do this new job now as I need the income.

I would definitely mention all your symptoms to a GP - has your fainting/shaking been evaluated properly? It could be anxiety but better to get properly checked out and proper advice on meds. MH support is poor but they can normally put you on a list and best to go well before at breaking point. I would say physical symptoms too though.

Blood tests are worth doing to rule in / out things like anemia.

You can self refer for anxiety help in England google NHS anxiety and comes up.

So, the most effective ways of addressing these kinds of things psychologically involve learning to actively NOT avoid triggering situations. Learning to expose yourself to these without medications to suppress shaking, etc. Basically exposing yourself to social-anxiety-inducing situations and not using any of your usual safety strategies.
Again, I don't kid myself it's this simple. And often you might need support. But using strategies like beta blockers is ultimately likely to be perpetuating the problem.

I’ve exposed myself to triggering situations for 40 years with the same symptoms. No change ever. This job I have had recently involves me serving drinks and I can’t hold a cup (I shake violently whilst having rolling panic attacks) so it’s tricky to get through that?..I suffer through the attacks usually but really can’t do the job like that. Exposure doesn’t change anything for me it seems. I’ve even forgotten to take the medication before and the attacks started and I wondered how as I thought I’d taken it that morning so proved to me there’s no placebo effect either.

Have you tried anti-depressants? Some people find they help a lot with anxiety - have a friend who swears by them - think she takes Sertraline. Do check with doctor safety of taking the meds you are doing.

You should see your GP for their assessment and advice re symptom control/treatment. Beta-blockers are not risk free drugs (they are contraindicated for some people with peripheral vascular disease, and have a potential interaction with clopidogrel).

Yes I’m bit worried about the contraindication with the clopidogrel. I have no actual medical condition that requires clopidogrel-it’s a precaution as I had a TIA 5 years ago for unknown reason. Am a bit wary of antidepressants as don’t want to have anything mind altering or potentially addictive.

Is it "just" anxiety or could it be something like autism or sensory processing disorder?

Definitely not autism or SPD. Is text book social anxiety and panic disorder.