Antidepressants

[fruitsalad]

Why do doctors give these for anxiety is it a form of depression?

[David H]

Both are affected by the same part of the brain which either lacks serotonin or does not respond to it. They are sides of the same problem, many people who have one have the other, but one usually dominates.

[fruitsalad]

Thank you

[andy-hughes]

Anxiety can be a symptom of depression, but it can also be a condition on its own.

Either way, it will usually respond to an appropriate dose of an anti-depressant - these are becoming ever more sophisticated as medicl science advances, and can be targeted to specific symptoms and presentations of psychological issues.

[VHG]

Anxiety is not a "normal" state of mind, it is an irrational fear or worry about something that is not likely to happen.

Depression is also not a "normal" state of mind, often (but not always) viewing the world in a negative way when there may indeed be nothing to be "depressed" about.

So I would say the two states of mind are linked.

As it says on Wikipedia

Anxiety is an unpleasant state of inner turmoil, often accompanied by nervous behavior, such as pacing back and forth, somatic complaints and rumination. It is the subjectively unpleasant feelings of dread over something unlikely to happen, such as the feeling of imminent death.[

[cupid04]

Don't take them unless you really need them is my advice. I've been on them nearly 20 years and can't get down further than 2mg of diamazepam.
I sleep worse when I try and knock them on the head completely. My GP is going to help more in the new year.

[Robinia]

Diazepam is a sedative cupid, and can you can become addicted to them. Antidepressants are a different thing.

[cupid04]

Still very hard to kick the habit.

[Connemmara]

Yes Cupid - all medication can be addictive - but if they have been helping you for 20 years and 2mgs (very light) what is the big deal if they are addictive. Are you going to live longer or less being off or on them. That is what I say.

[pixie373]

Yes

[pixie373]

Not all medication is addictive. Diazepam isn't given as a long-term medication any more.

[douglas9401]

Really? I got four chats, a CD and a booklet. Worked wonders though.

[Cloverjo]

I wonder if doctors give ADs for anxiety because patients expect to be given something when complaining of it and its symptoms, but the docs are not meant to prescribe Diazepam, Valium etc. any more.