Atopic dermatitis and panic attacks linked?

I have severe atopic dermatitis (eczema). Here's the thing. When I'm stressed, I itch more. When I get really itchy, I get stressed about it. This has escalated into screaming fits before (I'm not proud). My dermatologist concludes that I have panic attack disorder and she prescribed me Doxepin. The doxepin has only stopped the itching and stress in the sense that I can't itch in my sleep. Its only effect has been sleep. So, is there a link between skin conditions and panic attacks, or is my dermatologist wrong on this one? Also, how I go about asking for a change from the doxepin. I hate it.

Atopic dermatitis and panic attacks linked?
Itching is a maddening stimulus, and one that is very hard to alleviate. I rather think that diagnosing a panic disorder simply because of your understandable reaction to constant itch is jumping the gun a bit. The Doxepin should help control the itch, and you have said that it does, but it does not a thing for panic or anxiety disorders. True panic requires training in certain skills and medications specific to anxiety to treat. Sounds to me like your doctor fed you bit of a line. If you want to know for sure whether or not you have an anxiety disorder...see a psychiatrist, they are ultimately much better trained in mental health issues than a general practitioner.
Reply:If you are looking for a medicine that might help panic attacks ask your doctor about Effexor XR which I am on.





Http://www.effexor.com
Reply:Have you tried Celestrone or Betnovate for the eczema? See stress at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 7, and practise one of the 5 relaxation methods on page 2 daily, and when needed. Consider hypnotherapy, or try the autosuggestion (self hypnosis) on page 3, to combat the itching, but you would have to stop the Doxepin to know if it is working, so find out about withdrawing from it.