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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Do I Overcome Fear Of Getting Allergies From Food?

Hello, I m feeling that I am running out of options rather quickly. I am 22, 6ft 1, and weigh about 150lbs. July 2010, I was shot in the head. Since then I have had SEVERE anxiety/panic attacks. All my fears revolve around health/death. Recently, I have developed this overwhelming fear that I m going to have an allergic reaction to something I eat. Two periods of time (about 6-7 days each) I didn t eat ANYTHING. Before these fears of allergies, I weighed about 205lbs. Which was about 3 to 3 1/2 months ago. I have gotten myself to eat a turkey sandwich every day for the past week now though. I have been diagnosed with the panic attacks, PTSD, severe anxiety, and most recently anorexia (I do DESPERATELY want to eat, I am just afraid). Keep in mind, neither of my parents or siblings have any allergies towards any foods. It s just I read on the internet that an allergic reaction can happen at any time, to anyone. And the fear that it COULD happen is preventing me from eating properly. I am currently taking Celexa 20mg once daily for about a month and a half. They want to increase it to 40mg daily, but my overbearing fears of the chance of serotonin syndrome are keeping me from taking the higher dose.
Mon, 19 Jan 2015
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Psychologist 's  Response
Dear
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. You do have health anxiety or health phobia along with eating disorder which at this juncture should be treated by an experienced psychiatrist and I request you to trust him and work with him. If you do not trust your doctor, your illness could be worse. Psychotherapy could help your condition but definitely not now. Let your mind be calm after having proper treatment from your psychiatrist and according to his advise, you can consult a psychologist for psychotherapy.

If you require more of my help in this aspect, please use this URL. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Make sure that you include every minute details possible.

Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications.
Good luck.
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How Do I Overcome Fear Of Getting Allergies From Food?

Dear Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. You do have health anxiety or health phobia along with eating disorder which at this juncture should be treated by an experienced psychiatrist and I request you to trust him and work with him. If you do not trust your doctor, your illness could be worse. Psychotherapy could help your condition but definitely not now. Let your mind be calm after having proper treatment from your psychiatrist and according to his advise, you can consult a psychologist for psychotherapy. If you require more of my help in this aspect, please use this URL. http://goo.gl/aYW2pR. Make sure that you include every minute details possible. Hope this answers your query. Available for further clarifications. Good luck.