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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Solution For Anxiety Before Any Type Of Test Whether Mammogram Or Chest X-ray?

Hello ! I get so nervous every year when I have to have a ma mammogram or a chest xray or any type of test. I had only one attack of diverticulitis and that was 3 years ago, so my MD and I worked on a diet plan for me and so far so good. Here is my problem. I am 69 and very active. I flung myself over an 8 foot wall and just got sore for a few days. So that was ok. I have had anxiety and depression and find the only thing that makes me so freaked out is going in for any kind of testing. I am on medication for the depression and anxiety and am a very content person. Except for testing.
Fri, 10 Jan 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Welcome to HCM!

I have read the question carefully and it says that you have lot of anxiety while undergoing any sort of tests, and that you have a history if depression.

Well, such specific anxiety --- it is a part of ones personality, many otherwise normal people also have severe fear or anxiety for blood tests, or just seeing blood itself will make them faint, or with some other things. if otherwise your body and life is having good response with anti depressant drugs you are currently on then- I think that you should just take some mild anti anxiety drug ( like Xanax) for time when you have to go for some tests....

if your illness if also not under good control, the you may need to revise the drugs, and this will likely take care of the test anxiety to some extent.

One more thing can be attempted and I have seen it having good response in case if specific phobias/ anxiety :: hypnosis...in this the therapist/ psychiatrist put you under trance state and reaches the unconscious and give you posiistive suggestions redpgaridng the tests. it is good and effective but one must find a good hypnotherapist who can do this and not the ones who just cheat you for money.

Hope there reply is useful
feel free to ask more questions
Dr. Manisha Gopal
MD Psyhciatry
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What Is The Solution For Anxiety Before Any Type Of Test Whether Mammogram Or Chest X-ray?

Welcome to HCM! I have read the question carefully and it says that you have lot of anxiety while undergoing any sort of tests, and that you have a history if depression. Well, such specific anxiety --- it is a part of ones personality, many otherwise normal people also have severe fear or anxiety for blood tests, or just seeing blood itself will make them faint, or with some other things. if otherwise your body and life is having good response with anti depressant drugs you are currently on then- I think that you should just take some mild anti anxiety drug ( like Xanax) for time when you have to go for some tests.... if your illness if also not under good control, the you may need to revise the drugs, and this will likely take care of the test anxiety to some extent. One more thing can be attempted and I have seen it having good response in case if specific phobias/ anxiety :: hypnosis...in this the therapist/ psychiatrist put you under trance state and reaches the unconscious and give you posiistive suggestions redpgaridng the tests. it is good and effective but one must find a good hypnotherapist who can do this and not the ones who just cheat you for money. Hope there reply is useful feel free to ask more questions Dr. Manisha Gopal MD Psyhciatry