Anxiety medication & distinct anxiety

If you're autistic and on anxiety meds for an anxiety disorder, but the meds aren't really working... 

What you may be experiencing is autistic anxiety, or what some researchers are referring to as distinct anxiety, which is anxiety related to autistic brain wiring. Or rather, the anxiety an autistic person experiences when their autistic needs are not met. 

Anxiety meds can help with your distinct anxiety, but they won't remove whatever caused it. So, as long as your autistic needs continue to go unmet, you will likely continue to experience distinct anxiety. 

Another way to look at it is like this…

Taking anxiety meds for autism is like taking pain meds for a broken bone or stomach ulcer. They'll help manage the anxiety (like pain meds manage the pain), but they won't address the underlying issues causing the anxiety like pain meds won’t heal a broken bone.

And this…

Taking anxiety meds for anxiety caused by autistic triggers (without separately addressing the triggers) is similar to drinking alcohol to deal with anxiety. It can help relieve your anxiety in the short-term, but the underlying causes of your anxiety will still be there after they have worn off and the anxiety will likely return.

So, can anxiety medication help? 

Yes. It absolutely can. 

But is it a solution for distinct anxiety? 

Not unless it is coupled with identifying the underlying causes of your anxiety and finding solutions for those. 

This can include…

- Environmental changes

- Accommodations

- Support strategies

- Therapy

All that said, always consult a trained, credentialed practitioner before making any decisions about medication. ❤️