QUESTION:

I am 30 yrs. old and diagnosed with bpd, depression, and PTSD last yr. I currently take Wellbutrin, Xanax, Ambien, Celexa, and Buspar. I have gone on and off my meds many times mostly because I feel bored when I feel good and because of the sexual dysfunction that occurs while on my meds. I currently am very depressed and thinking of suicide, I know that it is not the answer, but sometimes feel like I have no choice. I am infatuated with my therapist which makes it difficult for me as well, I have often tried very hard to put that behind me, but I cant and do not want to seek another therapist because she is a good therapist and I know she can help me. I am to go for an intake for a DBT program next week and want to know if I should talk about these feelings with my therapist (I fear she will discharge me if I do) and if there are any meds that will take away my obsessions? I am in a committed relationship but am not happy and often fantasize and wish to be with other women, but deep down I know that no one really wants me... can u help? I feel so much like a burden on others and often do not want to leave my house to go shopping for groceries and just in general. I do not want to burn my therapist out, which I think I am on the road to doing so. is it normal or does it occur often that one becomes infatuated with their therapist?

DR. HELLER'S ANSWER:

1. You absolutely should tell the DBT therapist, it's not an uncommon situation
2. There are excellent medications that work. Buspar is for the generalized anxiety disorder, particularly the cognitive component. Tegretol may be needed. I have minimal experience with Celexa, however Prozac does appear to be superior.
3. Ginkgo 200-220mg daily eliminates antidepressant induced sexual dysfunction in ~84% of individuals in a recent study
4. Yes, it's common for an individual with the BPD to become infatuated with their therapist, but it is unhealthy and needs to be dealt with.

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