Help with discrimination and negative stigma of anxiety diagnosis.

[nuclearguy]

20 years of generalized anxiety disorder. Have bounced from doctor to doctor due to insurance changes and moving. Have been on multiple anti-depressants with little help. A small dose of benzodiazepines helps me to function normally. I'm so tired of the negative stigma I face at the doctor's office. I am currently being treated by a nurse practitioner who doesn't seem afraid to treat me with Xanax .25 mg twice per day. I don't understand why doctors are afraid to write this prescription. Xanax or Klonopin are both proven and effective treatment for anxiety yet doctors seem afraid to prescribe it. This NP writes me a script for 60 pills at .5 mg strength to last me 60 days. I don't feel that I need to return to the office every 2 months for this.

I called the office, as told by the NP, to have my prescription renewed before it ran out. I went 5 days without. 3 calls to the office manager for refill. Today she told me that I am going to be placed on the "list". I am assuming the "list" is for the drug seekers. I don't understand why it is like pulling teeth to get treatment for this disease. I don't think that I should have to suffer any longer when this medication gives me so much relief. Tired of being treated like some crackhead trying to score some Xaners. No offense to the people who use crack.

I am an educated healthcare professional. So tired of the negative stigma. I see how people are treated once that mental illness diagnosis shows up in their charts. I can see why some people suffer with anxiety instead of getting treatment. I feel like I am being discriminated against.

Any suggestions???

[BonnieSue]

I completely understand the stigma that exists in the healthcare field EXACTLY where it shouldn't exist. You aren't on much of a dose of xanax and yet they are making a big deal about it and that's wrong. Wrong, wrong. Have you tried to get a small dose of Klonopin/clonazepam or Tranxene/clorazepate? It would give you more coverage during the day and be easier to get refills I would think. Xanax is often considered a temporary drug vs. the others which are long term prescriptions.