Can Paxil Mend Infidelity?

Cary, Crystal Lake, Algonquin, IL; 6:13 PM; Feb 1, 2007

Bill, a 45 year old optometrist, has been struggling with the issue of marriage counseling for many years. The problem is that his wife says he has the problem; she won't come.

She doesn't know he's having an affair with a 32 year old woman who he can't get off his mind. He reports being obsessed like a lovesick kid and talks about her great body and the wild sex they have.

It seemed to me he was becoming a slave to this obsession; he was tormented. We systematically assessed whether this woman was worth it and he'd always conclude "No." But he couldn't get her out of his mind.

As a hunch I suggested he give Paxil a trial. Paxil is an anti-depressant which shows some success in loosening the grip of obsessions. He was skeptical but agreed to try it.

For the last 2 weeks he's reported "not caring" as much about this woman, and even though they are still in contact, he's feeling that her grip on him is loosening. Well it's a little early to tell but the latest reports are encouraging.

Will the relationship with his wife improve? What do you think?

Dr Mike, drmike@nextdayappointment.com, psychologist and marriage counselor, 847 516 0899.