Comments on: Sniff your way out of Anxiety?

By: Laura Smith, Ph.D.

Laura Smith, Ph.D. — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 18:11:06 +0000

@ Andrea
Sounds like you have some significant symptoms of anxiety and they might be related to your pregnancies. Regardless of the cause, cognitive behavioral therapy can work to decrease your symtpms and get your life back. Be sure that your therapist has training and experience in CBT. Take care

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:46:13 +0000

I mistyped/misspoke…”I can go and do just about anything WITHOUT much anxiety” and “beore EVEN having pregnancies…”

By: Andrea

Andrea — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 19:45:01 +0000

I found this article interesting in that I have an anxiety disorder and for years I suffered with just situational panic attacks. It grew until I am basically homebound. What always perplexed me is that when I’m pregnant, I can go and do just about anything with much anxiety. But as soon as I have my baby, within weeks, I’m back to being anxious again. Before every having pregnancies, I also noticed that the day before my period would begin and the first day of, I could also do just about anything. Would love to see more research on this. Thank you.

By: Laura Smith, Ph.D.

Laura Smith, Ph.D. — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:49:35 +0000

Oxytocin levels are also higher in women who breastfeed. I don’t think it is ready to be prescribed for anxiety. You might think about getting a professional assessment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has helped many people with anxiety. Look at ABCT.org for possible referrals. Take care.

By: Shannon

Shannon — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:00:20 +0000

My anxiety disorder went away completely while I was pregnant. I assume it was from the oxytocin. My son is now 3 months old and the anxiety is back as bad as it was before. It took a month for the symptoms to reemerge. Is there anyway to get oxytocin as a prescription? I am convinced its what kept the anxiety away.

By: Sniff your way out of Anxiety? « Insomnia Remedy

Sniff your way out of Anxiety? « Insomnia Remedy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:28:52 +0000

[...] Sniff your way out of Anxiety? via Anxiety and OCD Exposed by Laura L. Smith, Ph.D. on 8/24/09 [...]

By: Laura Smith, Ph.D.

Laura Smith, Ph.D. — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:11:12 +0000

@ Jayme Although it would be nice to be able to get a “cure” for anxiety or OCD by taking medications, that doesn’t seem to happen for many people. I almost always suggest CBT (psychotherapy) and yoga, meditation, or another mind/body type of exercise in addition to or instead of medication. Don’t give up. Getting the right kind of treatment can really imrpvoe your life!! Take care.

By: Jayme

Jayme — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 05:14:29 +0000

I am curious if there are any new meds coming out that show more promise than the current arsonal for anxiety, such as SSRIs and benzos? The SSRIs have so many side effects that are just horrible to go through, going on them AND coming off, and while the benzos help, they are just so addictive. I wish there was a pill out there like Xanax, to quell anxiety better, but that lasts longer and keeps a person more level like some SSRIs can be.

I am at a point where I am not sure what direction to go in, after trying some SSRIs and really not wanting to start again, and right now taking Xanax and Benedryl daily to keep anxiety lower…though I am on edge all the time and am constantly working inwardly to stay calm. Ocd too.

By: Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D.

Charles H. Elliott, Ph.D. — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 18:51:33 +0000

@Terry: Yes, a miracle would be great. Unforunately, we’re not quite there yet. In the meantime, everyone just has to keep slugging it out.

By: Terry

Terry — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:14:30 +0000

i have found more exposure has made me much more anxious, no matter what i try. I have depression too, and am taking Trazodone (which has helped both, but im v sensitive to drug side effects so i have to increase them very slowly). it would be awfully nice if there was a miracle aid to help the path feel a bit more realistic!