Wife Struggling with Anxiety

[SmallTownFan]

My wife (age 62) is struggle with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder. She has had four previous episodes that were all brought under control fairly quickly with SSRIs. This bout is into the eighth month and it's not getting better. She has had to quit her job (was always able to work during previous times). She is now well into her third SSRI drug and no real improvement.

Every day is a struggle for her as nothing interests her and she is losing hope. I'm retired so able to be home with her. She is reluctant to reach out using this type of support.

Looking for what others may have done after trying three SSRIs. What's next?

[bethelbee]

Sorry your wife is having a difficult time. There are other meds out there besides SSRI'S and there are also other non-med treatments including TMS, ECT and Ketamine. I was on meds for decades and became treatment resistant to them. Luckily my therapist recommended TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) that really helped me. It is a noninvasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses targeting a part of the brain to reduce/eliminate depression. Can you go with her to her next doctor appointment to discuss other treatment options?? How often does she see the doctor? 8 months is an awfully long time to be on a med with no improvement.

[SmallTownFan in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you for responding. My wife is on her third different SSRI since this episode began back in July. I think we may be at the end of the SSRIs. At her visit last week (an appointment we requested two weeks ahead of her regular 4-week visit), the doctor suggested the possibility of one more increase in dosage. In the meantime, her Abilify was increased. Things have not improved. The office does offer TMS treatment, though we haven't looked into it yet. Did you transition completely off the drugs before starting TMS?

[bethelbee in reply to SmallTownFan]

I was already off meds before starting TMS. The last few meds I tried either didn't work at all or gave me intolerable side effects. Some people continue meds even while on TMS and after, depending upon results. I am not a doctor but it sounds like an increase in dosage is not warranted considering it sounds like it hasn't even been working. I am a big advocate for TMS. I've had 3 rounds. The positive results of the first two each lasted about 6 months and the 3rd is still working after just over 2 years. I've had minor setbacks but only due to the facts I have been dealing with other health and medical issues. Treatment is usually 5x/wk for 6-7 weeks with each treatment at about 20 minutes. My treatment was covered by my Medicare. Please look into TMS for your wife. Obviously as with any treatment results vary but it does have a high rate of success. Please keep me posted and feel free to message me if you want with any questions

[SmallTownFan in reply to bethelbee]

Bethelbee, thanks for the info. I will do some more research on TMS before our appointment on Friday. She muscled through a baby shower yesterday, but today has been extremely hard.

[bethelbee in reply to SmallTownFan]

Sorry she's having a rough day.. She's lucky to such a supportive husband.

[punkster]

Hello. I am a woman of a similar age who struggles with GAD. I had always been a mildly anxious person, but after menopause my anxiety spiraled out of control. Not to mention Covid. It has been a long journey for me. I have tried anxiety meds (benzos), but I didn't like the way they made me feel, and I worried about becoming addicted. I also tried SSRI's, and like your wife, they worked right away, but then I fell into a horrible "fog" and my anxiety was reduced, but I literally had no emotions. This was on the lowest dose possible. I gained 20 pounds and decided to go off the antidepressants, and it was hell. It has taken a lot of therapy (5 years) to get me where I am now. I am not currently taking medication and I am able to live most of my life without anxiety. I developed a "tool box" for dealing with anxiety which includes meditation, deep breathing, exercise, walking, playing the piano, reading, taking a bath, learning new things, etc. Everyone is different. Medications work well for some, and therapy works well for some. I'm glad your wife has a supportive husband because it makes all the difference in the world. Good luck to the both of you, and I hope you can find what works.

[SmallTownFan in reply to punkster]

Hi, punkster. I appreciate the reply. Seems at times like there are no good answers, only lots of maybes.

[Hisue]

Nothing helped my anxiety, but tranquilizers. Yes, it is common knowledge that these can be addictive. These drugs saved my life- I have gotten relief with both Ativan & Valium.

It's always benefit risk- the effects of prednisone & methotrexate that I have had drs "push" on me for RA, w/o telling me they can cause anxiety- were much worse than these "controlled substances".

Many drs in the US refuse to prescribe tranquilizers - especially to seniors- telling us we may fall or become addicted.

Well, I'll be careful- because jumping out my window with anxiety- or becoming an alcoholic to relax, would be much worse,

[CDC43]

therapy medication and keep writing. I will be here. I’ve been there many times, you’re brave and strong. Never give up