Q: I am 24 years old. I feel from childhood I have been a little abnormal. I used to feel very shameful in childhood. I also had an anxiety disorder. I took drugs like fluoxetine, clonazepam and propanonol. But the problem has come up again. Please give me some suggestions on this. Can I drink alcohol during the treatment?

A:You have not mentioned detailed symptoms, but as the symptoms had resolved on medications in the past, and there is a recurrence of symptoms, I suggest that you consult your psychiatrist again, and take the medical opinion, and start treatment as per advice. Apart from medications, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) would also be beneficial and must be added. As for alcohol, medications or no medications, alcohol needs to be avoided by all people, and for you, alcohol increases anxiety symptoms so total abstinence is advised.