Jim,
I have been receiving alprozolam through the VA system for the past 7 years. The original prescription was written by a private psychiatrist. I took the "script" to the local VA clinic and MD's have been renewing my prescription. My primary Dr. Left and when my prescription ran out a different MD, whom I have never seen refused to renew it until I saw the VA psychiatrist. Saw him this morning. My VA rating is 70% for general anxiety and 100% for TDIU. The psychiatrist I saw this AM told me that there was no doubt in his mind that I have PTSD.
What boggles my mind is that he told me he could cure me of PTSD by my slowly cutting back on my medicine and suggesting prolonged exposure therapy. I did what he asked me to do and researched this on the Internet. Now this is my own personal opinion. This type of therapy (to me) sounds like throwing gasoline on a raging fire. Your advice in the past has always been right on the mark and I honestly believe I have more faith in you than any Dr. What is your opinion on Prolonged exposure therapy and the fact that this psychiatrist stated he could cure me from PTSD. I am 75 years old and have had this problem (PTSD or General Anxiety) for over 30 years.
Reply:
I rarely offer treatment or therapy suggestions to veteran patients. If I do offer such advice, it will be in some area of knowledge where I have a bit of expertise or personal experience.
I make it a policy that I never offer advice for such questions as yours that are related to psychiatric treatments. PTSD (battle fatigue, shell shock, etc.) has been around a long time and to my knowledge it still isn't a well understood problem.
I've observed dozens of suggested therapies in the few years I've been writing about advocacy and benefits topics. I've heard from veterans who have been helped by all the treatments available and I hear from vets who are helped by none of the treatments.
I wish I knew the answer. I can only suggest that you keep your mind open and give it a try. If the doc has something that works, great...if not, at least you'll know you tried.