Forum on HIV and Mental Health: finding a shrink

Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.

		finding a shrink Nov 15, 2007 I have been HIV+ for 8 years and have been struggling with depression and anxiety the whole time... I need to find a psychiatrist who is willing to prescribe xanax. I have taken this before and i know it helps with anxiety and depression and i feel so much better when i'm on meds, but i don't know how to approach the subject without looking like i'm a drug addict and without having to see the guy 10 times before he'll prescribe...What is a tactful way i can approach this subject?..I am just starting haart again after a 2 year break and the anxiety is through the roof...HELP


Advertisement Response from Dr. Horwath The best way to approach this is to be open and honest about the difficulties you're having. If you are suffering from severe anxiety, then an anti-anxiety medication or some other type of treatment may be indicated. But you need to be evaluated and let the doctor decide. If you go in demanding Xanax, you will be more likely to face resistance. Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!

Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their messages.

Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.

Copyright notice.

The Body is a service of Body Health Resources Corporation, 250 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10107. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Body Health Resources Corporation, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your healthcare provider.