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Suggest Treatment For Anxiety And Depression
Question: I have a 25 y.o. granddaughter that broke down in my home last evening crying about 6 different times about her anxiety and depression. I have to help her NOW and we want to get to a fine doctor who can assist her. She took Xanax a year ago for one year and then the doctor COLD TURKEY took her off of it and said she had a mental problem and to see someone. She has been suffering and trying to hide it for this past year. I NEED HELP for her. My heart is breaking to help her and I promised her I would.
Brief Answer:
Get her to a psychiatrist
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Your granddaughter needs to see a good psychiatrist and get started on the appropriate medicines for her anxiety and depression. I am not clear from your note exactly when she stopped the Xanax. If it was very recently, then she might be having withdrawal effects. It would be best then to bring her to the Emergency Room where they could treat her acutely and then get her referred to a psychiatrist. Xanax should be tapered over time. If it's been a few weeks or months, then it's not likely withdrawal and you can wait until she can get an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Also ask if she is suicidal. If she is, then the best option is to get her evaluated in Emergency. Medicines to help depression and anxiety may take a while to start working, so she might need inpatient monitoring for awhile if the depression is that severe.
If you feel this can wait, try to get an appointment with a psychiatrist as soon as possible. You can check her insurance to see what psychiatrists may be on her network, and call one of them. Or you can check with the local medical association and get a referral from them. I know how distressing this is for you both and these are ways you can help.
I wish you both the best. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Get her to a psychiatrist
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thank you for using Healthcare Magic. Your granddaughter needs to see a good psychiatrist and get started on the appropriate medicines for her anxiety and depression. I am not clear from your note exactly when she stopped the Xanax. If it was very recently, then she might be having withdrawal effects. It would be best then to bring her to the Emergency Room where they could treat her acutely and then get her referred to a psychiatrist. Xanax should be tapered over time. If it's been a few weeks or months, then it's not likely withdrawal and you can wait until she can get an appointment with a psychiatrist.
Also ask if she is suicidal. If she is, then the best option is to get her evaluated in Emergency. Medicines to help depression and anxiety may take a while to start working, so she might need inpatient monitoring for awhile if the depression is that severe.
If you feel this can wait, try to get an appointment with a psychiatrist as soon as possible. You can check her insurance to see what psychiatrists may be on her network, and call one of them. Or you can check with the local medical association and get a referral from them. I know how distressing this is for you both and these are ways you can help.
I wish you both the best. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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