[JHUlittlebro]

Here is the deal....

Okay so long story short I am petty sure I have a major case of Social Phobia. And I found some medicine that I think will really help me (Tranylcypromine or Phenelzine).

So now the hard part...how do I tell my parents and who should I tell them to send me to. Please help! I am only 15 by the way

[Carole07]

Hello and welcome to Psych Central. You will probably need to see a psychiatrist and a therapist for the social phobia. I know that it can be difficult, but you really need to try to be honest with your parents. You should not have to go through this alone. Also, the two drugs that you mentioned are MAOIs and I don't beleive that they should be considered until you have tried other medications first. A psychiatrist will know what to prescribe for you.

[lastyearisblank]

Hi little bro! Wow it seems like you have already done half the research for your problem. Good job!

The next step would probably be seeking therapy. Your parents might be able to help you, or a school psychologist.

Meds can be VERY helpful. But here's the thing- you're very young! The meds you have researched can be effective. But they are usually prescribed for people who have struggled for many years (with depression or other issues). This because they can be VERY dangerous. I doubt that you will find a psychiatrist who will prescribe them as a first-line treatment for social anxiety.

I would recommend you try CBT, or talk therapy first. You have a lot of motivation to fix your anxiety, and that's half the battle. Keep fighting the good fight- and welcome to PC!

[Jerrypharmstudent]

I would add: Show this forum to your parents - print out this thread - show them you are serious about your condition and you really WANT and NEED help. I agree with the others - you need to talk to a school psychologist or a therapist before diving into medication - especially at your age.

You can do this - it may be hard to break it to them being that it sounds as if you have been holding this in for quite a while - but once you talk to them about it - a weight will be lifted.

If you living in a small town and don't have therapy services, go to your GP (General Practitioner) and discuss this. He/she may be abel to give you some good talk therapy and be able to refer you to someone. YOu gotta start somewhere - first explain to your parents then go from there.

Hang in there ok? And keep us updated!!

Jerry

[Can't Stop Crying]

I agree with all the above, be careful with meds, some have pretty significant interactions with other things that you might not be aware of!