Q. I seem to have a huge problem with thinking and worrying. It is like there is a continual thunderstorm taking place inside my head and I find it very difficult to concentrate and perform very simple, logical everyday things because my mind is always thinking or worrying about something else. For example, when I listen to people or watch a comedy show, my mind is always somewhere else (usually worrying about something) and I totally lose track with what's going on. Even the most obvious jokes slip by me. The extent of my worrying and thinking is extreme and I think it may be leading to rapid brain degeneration because I seem to be losing my logic. What advice can you give me? Also, I have been taking an antibiotic called minomycin for acne for almost 18 months. Could this be responsible for my troubles?

A. The worry symptoms you describe are clearly an anxiety based disorder, and require biological treatment. The medication used would depend on co-morbid symptoms you have. The minomycin is not causing the problem. Also, there is no deterioration or atrophy of your brain as alluded to in your email. You will get deterioration of social function, but prompt and effective intervention should take care of the problem. Start with your GP if you have an HMO program. If you have a choice, go for a psychiatrist from the get go.