Got anxiety? Instead of tranquilizers try vitamin B12 instead.

[Ana_conda]

b12deficiency.info/b12-and-...

[Gambit62]

Please note, if at all possible get your doctor to test you B12 levels, folate and ferritin BEFORE you start supplementing. Think this is probably the only page on that site that doesn't actually say that - if not it makes it even more difficult to get a diagnosis.

I can certainly attest to the importance of B12 - suffered from anxiety and depression for over 30 years and it only went when I started treating myself for B12 absorption problems with the level of B12 that I need.

Please note that if you do get tests done I'd strongly recommend joining the PAS forum on Health Unlocked, getting hold of the results and posting them there - you could be in the grey area but told you are 'normal' because of the way results come back from labs and the fact that B12 Deficiency, whilst actually quite a common problem, is something most GPs know next to nothing about - many think that it is a form of anaemia.

[Ana_conda in reply to Gambit62]

You're correct about testing for ferritin and folate first. However, unlike the two of us who also belong to the PA forum, I can't assume that everyone here has a full-blown case of PA lurking in the background.

That said, I think it might be actually be counterproductive to overwhelm people who are anxious enough as it is, with one more "health disaster" scenario! Let's make it easy: there's no harm in trying one 1000 mcg B12 "methylcobalamin" sublingual tablet morning and evening for a month. Worst case scenario - no change at all. Best case - you'll feel much less depressed.

After that you're all welcome to join us down at the PA forum and learn how to wage war against your doctor!

[Gambit62 in reply to Ana_conda]

I don't know if I have PA or not - just that I have a problem absorbing B12 and the advice not to supplement before getting tested is there because any supplementation actually makes it near impossible to get doctors to recognise that a B12 deficiency may be a factor.

Having said that there is a bit of me that knows how difficult it can be to deal with Drs and would be inclined to say - try and see (did that with my brother who had huge problems getting his diabetes correctly diagnosed and treated) but it's also true that it can actually make it more difficult to get the direct diagnosis and any chance of correct treatment ... and as it is likely to be a life-long treatment ...

[Ana_conda in reply to Gambit62]

I understand what you're saying. Unfortunately, there's no correct way to approach a situation like this one where you KNOW you're going to be damned if you do, and double-damned if you don't.

The main issue is, "To be (12 ) or not to be (12) - that is the question!" From personal experience and after reading the posts on the PA forum, by the time your typical doctor gets around to testing and diagnosing PA (or not), then ordering B12 shots at reasonable intervals, the patient generally has one foot securely in his grave.

Since we're dealing with a water-soluble vitamin that's excreted via the urine when taken in excess, IMHO it's riskier for patients to waste precious time waiting for a diagnosis that may never come rather than begin treatment with supplements which are easily obtained without a prescription.

[Gambit62 in reply to Ana_conda]

I have very mixed feelings on this - and find it appalling that not only GPs but medical specialists are so ignorant of the impact of B12 deficiency. Yes there is a part of me that thinks just go for it ... but at the same time I also think that GPs etc are never going to take the condition seriously if it becomes and underground of people going off and treating themselves. It also makes it more difficult for people who are campaigning to get the condition recognised more fully and treated correctly if people aren't getting a proper diagnosis.

The only way to get a proper diagnosis after you have started supplementing is to stop supplementing for 6+ months and finding yourself drifting back into how you were is something that I couldn't go through myself.

[Ana_conda in reply to Gambit62]

Actually, in the UK there's a petition to allow sale of hydroxycobalamin over the counter. Go to the b12deficiency.com site and sign!

[Gambit62 in reply to Ana_conda]

Already signed it months ago.

[L_A_E]

Hi there! Has the vitamins changed your mind set now?

[Ana_conda in reply to L_A_E]

I'm speaking on behalf of my husband and son who started B12 at the same time. The answer is - yes. 100%!

[Gambit62 in reply to Ana_conda]

Can speak from person experience. I remember my boyfriend describing in the past how he would be upset or sad but then something would click in his mind and he'd move on - good description of what wasn't happening for me. Having realised that for me what was going on was down to B12 absorption problems, I know find that yes I get sad or upset but then something in my head just goes click and it switches off.