What can a psychiatrist give that works well to help treat my anxiety and depression (both chronic and severe). I already take venlafexine and have been scripted for alprazalam twice which really helped although she is reluctant to script me for it again as it can become addictive. What else could help? I have been in therapy and told i have a personality disorder , something like BPD although do not really fit the criteria. I am a chronic self harmer.
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor. Thanks for your query. There are several options available, both in the form of medication and psychotherapy for your depressive and anxiety symptoms. If one anti-depressant is not working for you, then there are several other options available. If you have mood instabilities, mood-stabilizing medication can also help. For your chronic self-harming behavior and a likely diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, treatment is predominantly in the form of psychotherapy. There are several effective and proven therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, rational emotive therapy which can help you control your emotions and reduce the self-harming behavior. So, engaging regularly in therapy, staying motivated and putting in sincere and persistent efforts from your side are essential for successful treatment. Wish you all the best. - 