My symptoms increasonly got worse over the years to where it affected my proffetional life and personal. I got to the point I would'nt leave the house for the pure fact I did'nt want another one of my episodes to come on. Cause It's very embarasing shaking and trembling in front of others. My whole body would shake uncontrolably. So I would send my wife out to the store etc...I lost my job and for the past five months I've been in the house afraid of going out looking for work afraid of one of my attacks might happen. So now were basically homeless, wife cant find a job and I'm so screwed up in the head. I'm too afraid of my anxiety to get a job. So recently I went to the doctor to see whats wrong with me. He said basically anxiety attacks, so he put me on Zoloft. It's been three wks and I feel somewhat better but in certain public situations I still shake,very emberasing. What should I do about this? I've got to do something cause It's affecting my whole life. My wife and I have been married for sixteen yrs and we have four children, I've got to get better so I can provide for my family again. I'm tired of this anxiety controling me, so if anyone has any answers please let me know, I would forever be greatful. Thanks, Brian
Q: I'm 36 and for the past 8 yrs I've had symptoms of shaking and trembling in front of others.
Brian - With all due respects to your physician, you need to be more aggressive in getting treatment given how severe and debilitating your symptoms have been. Zoloft can be very helpful but from my experience working with highly anxious people, the antidepressants usually have to be raised to higher than initial levels to be effective for the type of anxiety that you are describing. If you are still on the initial dose please ask for an increase immediately and see a mental health professional as soon as possible. There may be other medications that can or should be added to your current treatment to gain faster control of these terrible symptoms. Then a therapist can help you begin to develop more long term strategies to manage your social fears.
Rick Wirtz
Licensed Psychologist
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