system
Suggest treatment for anxiety despite taking Lamictal
human
I m a 33 very functional highly educated male. I was diagnosed years ago with BPD and anxiety. I received many different medications over time, now I m on cibralex and Lamictal. Although I suffered alot from the mood swings and anxiety attacks, That s not my biggest problem, and both are already soothed down by medications . my problem/curse is; I have recurrent recalls, of negative memories, usually related to humiliation or embarrassement, associated with an intense anger/anxiety, that lead me to a sudden partially uncontrolled physical movement, like shouting, sudden jerk, teeth grinding, face muscle spasm (making faces). Let me give you an example, I m setting at work, having nonspecific thoughts running in the background of my brain (which is the case all the time) and then one of the thought remind me of a minor embarrassing incident that happened last month or 20 years ago (without exaggeration). I find a huge impulse of anger that will be automatically followed by a sudden physical activity, blowing, head movement...etc. And then it settles down in a matter of few seconds, leaving behind only shame and self pity. It happens like if I was electrically stunned. 70% this will happen to a relatively recent incident, within the last two years but 30% are related to old, or very old, very minor incidents. Sometimes, it can happen to an imagined situation!!. This lovely experience strike me at the very least 20 times a day, ranging from mild grimzing to full body jerk, depending on situation (home or work) and intensity of the impulse. During stressful periods, the frequency may increase to hundreds of times. High dose SSRI, lithium, Topamax, lamotrigine, combined didn t make a noticeable difference. My MRI showed asymmetrical third ventricles, but nothing else. My encephalogram was normal. One of my psychiatrists, although refused to say it directly, prescribed me three different antipsychotics!!. The other refused and insisted only on SSRI and lamotrigine. I didn t accept to take antipsychotics as I don t have any illusions or delusions. Just the forementioned problem. As well as for fear of the side effects. Not to mention I was raised in a dysfunctional family, bullied systematically at home and school. If not for my sweethearted father, I d have (seriously) killed myself. Is this schizophrenia? Should I take antipsychotics
gpt
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Anxiety is body's defense mechanism and it is essential for the body's fight or flight response. Anxiety disorder can be managed with the help of psychotherapy, counseling along with medicines. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards.