“Bashful Bladder” Syndrome (Paruresis) & treatment

[Guest guest]

One form of SAD is called Paruresis, sometimes called " Bashful

Bladder. " Paruresis involves difficulty using restrooms because of

the fear of disapproval. The condition most often occurs in men. A

common concern of the person with Paruresis is that others will

think her is " weird " if he cannot urinate quickly. The anxiety

includes physical responses that can actually make it more difficult

to urinate. The person then gets suck in a vicious cycle. The harder

he tries to urinate, the less he is able to. The more difficulty he

has urinating, the more anxious he becomes, making it even more

difficult to urinate. And so on. In addition to the distressing

symptoms typical of SAD, Paruresis can involve persistent bladder

pain and infection.

Medications:

A variety of medications have been used to treat SAD. Beta-blockers

(blood pressure medications) like propranolol sometimes reduce the

physical symptoms (e.g., trembling hands, increased heart rate) that

accompany performance anxiety. Another type of medication called

benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, or alprazolam) has also been used to

treat the symptoms of SAD. One group of antidepressant medication,

monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Nardil (phenlzine), has been

relatively effective with SAD. However, these drugs have several

common side effects and require dietary restrictions. A growing body

of research suggests another class of antidepressants called the

Selective Serotonergic Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRI's, are also

effective as a treatment for SAD. These drugs are usually safer to

take and have fewer side effects than the earlier classes of

antidepressants. One of the SSRI;s, a drug named Paxil (paroxetine),

has been approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of SAD.

However, no one medication is right for everyone. There are many

factors that should be discussed with your physician before deciding

whether to take medication and which medication to take.

[Guest guest]

One form of SAD is called Paruresis, sometimes called " Bashful

Bladder. " Paruresis involves difficulty using restrooms because of

the fear of disapproval. The condition most often occurs in men. A

common concern of the person with Paruresis is that others will

think her is " weird " if he cannot urinate quickly. The anxiety

includes physical responses that can actually make it more difficult

to urinate. The person then gets suck in a vicious cycle. The harder

he tries to urinate, the less he is able to. The more difficulty he

has urinating, the more anxious he becomes, making it even more

difficult to urinate. And so on. In addition to the distressing

symptoms typical of SAD, Paruresis can involve persistent bladder

pain and infection.

Medications:

A variety of medications have been used to treat SAD. Beta-blockers

(blood pressure medications) like propranolol sometimes reduce the

physical symptoms (e.g., trembling hands, increased heart rate) that

accompany performance anxiety. Another type of medication called

benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax, or alprazolam) has also been used to

treat the symptoms of SAD. One group of antidepressant medication,

monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as Nardil (phenlzine), has been

relatively effective with SAD. However, these drugs have several

common side effects and require dietary restrictions. A growing body

of research suggests another class of antidepressants called the

Selective Serotonergic Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRI's, are also

effective as a treatment for SAD. These drugs are usually safer to

take and have fewer side effects than the earlier classes of

antidepressants. One of the SSRI;s, a drug named Paxil (paroxetine),

has been approved by the FDA specifically for the treatment of SAD.

However, no one medication is right for everyone. There are many

factors that should be discussed with your physician before deciding

whether to take medication and which medication to take.