Genetics & Anxiety Disorders.

[raynebogurl]

So if they say that genetics can play a role in whether or not someone will be predisposed to anxiety, why isn't there any gene therapy out there?  I just don't understand how doctor's can just expect a pill, that they're not really sure how it works, and be satisfied with themselves thinking they've truly helped someone.  I mean, yes they give us the anxiolytics that help short-term.  But what about cures?  What about making some kind of pill that blocks the genetic factor that causes excess or unhealthy anxiety?  They say that an anxiety or panic attack cannot kill you, but how healthy is it for your body to be under that kind of constant stress?  Does it cause wear and tear on your body?  I know that anxiety diminshes your day to day quality of life, but will it eventually cause a change in the length of years you are alive?  To think about this stuff freaks me out.  I mean, yeah, while I'm panicking, it's not going to kill me, but in the long run what kind of damage will it have done?  I know there are many other disorders in the world that are more important...but with as many people who have anxiety disorders, you'd think they'd be doing something to try to figure it out.  There needs to be more awareness!  I've actually started a Panic Disorder Awareness group on 0409.  If anyone is interested in joining, type in "Panic Disorder Awareness" in the search bar in 0409 and send a request.  Let me know what everyone thinks about this topic.   Thanks!

[Duckie]

It's true that anxiety and it's disorders can be genetic.  And I bet there's research going on right now to find that magic pill we've all been wanting all these years.  In the meantime, all we have is what we know now, which isn't much.  I've read that alot of doctors are not prescribing SSRI's (zolft, paxil, etc.) anymore and just sticking with meds like ativan and xanax to treat anxiety. 
In all the years I've had anxiety and panic disorder, I've never come across a study to show if having panic attacks shortens your life, but I doubt that it does.  Our bodies are made to allow for rises in blood pressure, and our hearts can withstand faster and harder beats sometimes.
I used to wonder if our hearts got stronger after a panic attack.  Sort of like working out a muscle. 
I think worrying about all this is part of the disorder. 
I used to be a constant worrier, so I understand........

[raynebogurl]

Thanks for your response.  What I found most interesting is the fact that you said that you've read somewhere that dr's are not prescribing the SSRIs anymore and just using the benzos to treat the panic.  I wonder how well that would work for me as I am taking an SSRI and it doesn't seem to be helping.  I've been on SSRIs for years and still had panic attacks.  The only relief I ever get is when I'm panicking majorly and take an Ativan.  I think I just may talk to my doctor about coming off the SSRI and only using the Ativan as needed.  I hate having to take pills anyway, and if they aren't working, then why take them, ya know?  But anyway, thanks again for your thoughts.

[Grandma]

Second item first - Duckie, where did you read that doctors are prescribing benzos instead of SSRIs?  I would like to read that article.  Benzos and SSRIs work very differently.  Benzos work faster and remain in the body for a shorter time than SSRIs and are more typically used for quick relief for patients with panic attacks or acute rises in anxiety.  Occasionally they are prescribed long term, but this is not a common use of benzos.

SSRIs take longer to build up in our systems to the point of helping with anxiety, but once that point is reached, the degree of relief is constant.

First item now - raynebogurl, you ask an interesting therapy about gene research about anxiety.  Gene therapy is not restricted to diseases with genetic components, so this is not a factor in whether research is being done.  My guess is that since gene research is a fairly new science, and since there are so many diseases - cancer, for example - that are more serious than anxiety, that most of the effort is directed toward those illnesses.

[Duckie]

Hi Grandma:  First, let me congratulate you on becoming a moderator.  I'm new here, but I can see how caring and thoughtful you are, and knowledgeable too!!
I read the article about doctors not prescribing SSRI's a long time ago, easily over a year ago, and I can't remember where I read it.  It said that some doctors are moving away from using SSRI's for anxiety and just sticking with benzos.  I know that works for some people, but, as you know, it's always an individual thing.  What works for some doesn't always work for others. 
In the beginning, it's alot of trial and error....

[Grandma]

Thank you Duckie, for the information and for the congratulations and kind compliments