Panic Disorder

Panic Disorder questions and answers

Learn more about Newly Diagnosed Panic Disorder @ SaysUncle Learning.

Q: Panic Disorder?
I am 14 and have Panic Disorder. The thing is I always get this: On the side of my rib cage where my heart is it hurts like 20 times a day for 1-2 seconds sometimes 3 seconds. This gets me very anxious thus causing more fears. I am growing my parents say it can be because your rib cage is getting larger im 5'6" 105 pounds. Skinny and tall basically. Could a professional or anyone who has experienced this for like as long as me which is 2 months respond . Thank You, I appreciate it

A: I was diagnosed w/panic disorder 3 years ago. This is NOT what you have. Do you have Doctor to diagnose your physical problem? Go see a medical doctor....your descriptions are physical, not mental. Best wishes.

Q: Panic disorder?
I havent been diagnosed with panic disorder yet but Im sure I will be as I have them everyday and I have done for about 6 to seven months and they just keep getting worse. What Im worried about is sometimes I get extremely depressed, is that part of panic disorder and will medication for it help it go away? Thanks in advance x

A: My mom is on zoloft to help with her depression and anxiety- panic attacks. She's been on them for about a year and she hasn't had anymore panic attacks. She seems like a much happier person now.

Q: panic disorder?
Can anyone tell me why is it that you work so hard to get over a panic disorder only for the panic attacks to start all over again out of the blue? I developed a panic disorder when I was 20 years old. I was having anxiety attacks constantly; over everything. I worked really hard and managed to live a somewhat normal existence after about three years ( having an attack Only about every six months or so) and stayed that way until very recently. I am 35 now and I've started the attacks daily again over simple things: like driving three miles to work or when the wind blows or for no reason what so ever. Should I go back on the meds that I have done without for five years. I know I am rambling, but I am so tired inside of not being able to control this fear of fear that I have going on.

A: hi, i woud like to blog a little in empathy with you. I am 58 , a woman, a well travelled woman, and currently in INDIA, and also a buddhist nun....i was also a mother,a wife and numerous other roles....okay.... your panic is not something that you can TREAT like the flu....it comes from a deeper source than you can know....and it is all about the human conditon and being sensitive....perhaps highly sensitive... medications while they can help temporarily to mask the fears. do not solve the fear the deeper insecurity and fight or flight reactions.....I suggest meditaiton with a GROUP>>>>>>you need to be with what we call a SANGHA>>>>>a bunchof humans who are really comnmitted to sitting still with their insides....and looking.....this is what the art of meditation is about....getting to know your inner being....witout the outside distractions creating a false impression of you and your so called life....what do you want??? do you want peace??? do you want to die with peace??? we are all going to die and perhaps that s the deepest source of our anxiety....i am not suggesting you turn "religious" etc....I think that wherever you are, if it is not anarctica...you will find people who can identify with you...and the ssue of PANIC....there is also an AA spin off group called Emotions anonymous....that is a good one.....Fear is natural...fear is what we are all smelling, seeing on TV and imibing with our daily toast.....what you need to combat fear are some really good teachings on why you are not just a material being who is being abused in this fear based idea of life??????I will think of you, and send you some good vibes...be strong....and love what you have already done for yourself.....namaste, ani tenzin tsultrim

Q: What is the best antidepressant for panic disorder?
I have severe panic disorder, next week I see the doc, I want to suggest an antidepressant for me for this. I am weening off of xanax right now, he wants to put me on an antidepressant. Anyone have any expierience with this?

A: Theres several...and really it all just depends. The effects of any of the medications (Zoloft, Paxil, Prozac, Lexapro, Welbutrin...aka Zyban...etc., etc., the list goes on forever) on any one certain person varies so much its kind of a guessing game. For me, none of the above so far, but Elavil and Trazadone are good and they are antidepressants, but they make you sleepy. Although I dont really think that matters much since you are being weaned off xanax right now. Elavil (amitryptiline) and trazadone are inexpensive, but they are older medications and they may be difficult to get a dr to prescribe since they tend to prescribe the newer ones with less side effects. Good luck

Q: What is a good medication for panic disorder and social anxiety?
I have severe panic disorder and social anxiety and I was prescribed trileptol and celexa. I've been taking them for almost a year now, and I haven't noticed any change physically or mentally. Is there a different medication I should be taking?

A: Listen, I will suggest a medication, but I have a couple of things to say that WILL help you ALOT. Because medication is not always the answer. You may need to take a medication for social anxiety but by all means, do not take short acting medications like klonopin,xanax , or adivan. You will become reliant on these meds. If you must take a medication try Seroquel XR(extended release, to mellow you out throughout the day) It will knock you out each time you take them for the first week or so, but after that it helps alot. Stick to a medium dose- you don't want to end up a zombie. Some tips: -The more you expose yourself to social situations, the easier they become to deal with. You will be a little less anxious each time. -Do not bail out, quit, or stay at home because that will only make the problem worse. [the opposite of the therapeutic effects of exposure.] Finally- emotions come in waves. You need to jump in, stop thinking so much, and wait for the wave to pass. They always do. Good luck. You have one life to live.

Q: How many panic attacks does one have to experience to be diagnosed with Panic Disorder?
I was curious about this. I have been recently diagnosed with Anxiety Disorder and I think I have been also diagnosed with Panic Disorder, but I am not sure. How many panic attacks does someone have to have to be diagnosed with Panic Disorder?

A: Negative emotions (like sadness, stress, anger, etc.) causes your Serotonin production to be low; when your Serotonin level is low, you are more prone to getting Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Depression, etc. Medication like Antidepressants (SSRI - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) helps to boost Serotonin level. But there are natural ways to do it without medication. There's this strange herb called "St John's Wort" - it is said to be more effective than Prozac. No, it is not for mild depression only and ignore those sayings. In fact, it does help anxiety and panic-attacks as St John's Wort works like prozac. Other natural ways will be exercise, diet, more exposure to light, etc. The problem is that, even if your Serotonin is balanced... you have that "learned behavior" in your mind. You need to break that initial cycle to destroy that learned behavior - Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) does this. A technique that you can use without CBT will be Distraction... There are several other techniques to help cope them! Ok, to use Distraction: Firstly, try to.... Extracted from Source.

Q: How long does panic disorder typically last?
I've developed a severe panic disorder (lots of panic attacks and general anxiety) over the past couple months that seems unusual to me. I'm seeking therapy for it and the medication I've been put on for it, Xanax, hasn't been helping me. I'm considering taking an SSRI the doctor recommends but I don't know if it will help either. Does this stuff typically go away on it's own or am I just stuck with this?

A: Hi - for some people panic attacks occur seemingly out of nowhere, and go away as fast. But for others panic disorder is something that they have to deal with for many years or their entire lifetime. Part of the challenge is that the causes of panic disorder are not completely understood (no mental health condition is actually!). There's quite a bit of evidence from clinical studies that the condition may result from a genetic imbalance of the the neurotransmitter serotonin. Of all the anxiety disorders, Panic Disorder has been the most extensively studied from a genetic standpoint, and family and twin studies have consistently demonstrated that PD runs in families. Studies have found that an individual is 8 times more likely to develop Panic Disorder if a family member has been diagnosed with it. Other risk factors for Panic Disorder include: alcohol, smoking, or drinking large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages; taking medications known to trigger panic attacks, such as those used to treat asthma or heart problems; having mitral valve prolapse, a heart condition in which one of the valves in the heart does not close as it should; and experiencing an episode of major depression. Current thinking is that if you are having panic attacks more than a couple times a week, that an antidepressant might be a better treatment strategy than a benzodiazepine sedative like Xanax. A newer SSRI like Lexapro (Escitalopram) seems to work well for a lot of people with panic, and is a relatively "clean" med in terms of side effects compared with other antidepressants. Good to hear that you are doing therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is generally viewed as the most effective form of psychotherapy for treating panic attacks. CBT has been found to reduce sypmtoms in 70-90% of individuals with Panic Disorder and agoraphobia. CBT involves the use of such techniques as thought-stopping, gradual challenging of irrational behaviors, identifying triggers and separating them from the attacks themselves, systematic desensitization that is focused on the physical sensations of a panic attack, etc. Hang in there...panic disorder is considered to be one of the most treatable of the anxiety disorders, and you can have every reasonable expectation that your attacks will lessen with time and treatment.

Q: Does Serendyn really work to aliviate anxiety and panic disorder?
Iv been looking for a Natural Supplements to help alleviate anxiety and Panic disorder, and I heard that this is a Natural Supplement to significantly alleviate Anxiety and Panic attacks. Has anyone taken Serendyn? Does it really work?

A: There are 2 programs out there that are famous for treating Panic Attacks and Anxiety successfully. They are: Panic Away and The Linden Method. You may wonder, "Which one is better?" Don't worry, you're not the only one with that question. The Panic Away program is more appropriate for people who can cope with their Panic Attacks or Anxiety well. Linden Method is more for those who aren't really good in coping their Panic Attacks or Anxiety well. Check out the reference for the full comparison.

Q: What is a difference between panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder?
A. panic disorder starts earlier B. depression is more common in GAD C. alcoholism is more common in GAD D. the ratio of men to women is greater in panic disorder i'm so desperate :( HELP!! please? :)

A: Panic means a sudden shocking incidence which is capable of destabilizing one suddenly. And I think generalized anxiety disorder occurs gradually over a period of time. It is just like slow poisoning.

Q: What are the side effects of the medication prescribed for panic disorder?
I heard that the medication for panic disorder is unhealthy and brings side effects in the future. What kinds of side effects does it bring and how is it unhealthy?

A: It really depends on the medication, and how your body reacts to it. You didn't list one here. Everyone is different and may have different side effects. They can range from sleeplessness, to dry mouth, to loss of libido. The biggest concern dependence on the medication. If you can work with a health professional to confront your panic attacks in a non chemical way, that would be awesome. This is no small task, I realize. But I've had friends who've used this approach (with a doctor) and it gave them proper perspective. After all, it's a mental condition and it's something you can take charge of with the right help. Best wishes to you!

Q: What are some good jobs for someone with social anxiety and panic disorder?
I have been struggling with social anxiety and panic disorder since I was 16. I am almost 21 now and have been to many job interviews, but have not been able to make it through a single one without having a panic attack!!! I take medications daily, but with no luck!! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

A: Hi Olivia I’d like to give some solid advice to you about panic attacks, especially as you seem to have a trigger point which is the job interviews. There are many dead ends you can go down tryin to deal with this problem. I have a history of them and now I have dealt with them. When a person has a panic attack they are frozen in fear. This is not cowardice. Panic attacks become a private hidden secret inner prison that destroys a person’s life and self-esteem. A person tries so hard to hide it even from him/herself. Panic attacks come on like a heart attack without a warning. It is a very similar feeling and hard to detect which makes it even scarier. The chest tightens, there is no way to handle the fear factor, the feeling that is paralyzing and comes from out of nowhere. Physical discomfort like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, hot flashes and trouble swallowing regularly accompany the attacks. Panic attacks usually peak within ten minutes but can last 30 minutes. Sometimes panic attacks can last as long as a day. Many feel very tired and worn out after the attack subsides. Learning how to stop panic attacks is a priority for the majority of those who have ever experienced them. This is because panic attacks are emotionally, mentally and physically draining. Some have gone so far as to describe panic attacks as emotional nightmares. Although a doctor is a good port of call first in case there is some health-cause, medications do not always alleviate the panic attacks, especially long term, and those prescribed with anti-psychotic medication are on the road to further problems resulting from the consistent use of chemicals that eventually have a permanent negative effect on the brain. I am not a doctor or a professional person, but I am a person that lived with panic attacks and has overcome them. I’ve had to read information and misinformation from sources that proscribe to know about panic attacks but they don’t. People give so many varied points of view on how one should deal with them. Persons that have panic attacks not only have to deal with the panic attacks, they have to deal with people who have a lack of understanding and arguments at the same time. Sometimes that even includes doctors! There are now simple techniques you can learn to help you stop panic attacks quickly and easily and eventually cure panic attacks completely. These techniques have been tested and proven through research and actual application to stop panic attack quickly and effectively. The deep breathing technique is one of them and is also called diaphragmatic breathing and is a very important technique to learn if you what to quickly know of how to stop a panic attack. The challenge now is when you are experiencing anxiety, focusing on proper deep breathing can be very difficult task. The deep breathing technique requires you to breathe directly from your diaphragm and is the type of deep breathing you do during meditation. This technique is simple and anyone can practice it when you begin to feel the symptoms of panic attack. I’ve included a link if anybody wants to really get to know more about these techniques and how to stop the panic attacks completely and for good. I’ve been there so I wish you and all those on the search the best, and I offer lots of optimism because this affliction can be overcome. Good Luck!

Q: How to help family member who has panic disorder?
One of my family members has panic disorder with agoraphobia. She's been to therapy and the doctor, but does not want to take pills. She's housebound, and seems to enjoy being domestically helpful and content being at home. She doesn't seem to show much interest in the outside world. But, I do want to see her get better and regain her independence. How do I help get her out of the house and interested in life without forcing her to take pills?

A: You can't make her do anything she's not ready to do or doesn't want to do. You can only control your actions, not hers. If she's content to be a homebody, then why mess with her happiness? She'll have to deal with it sooner or later. Personally, I just wouldn't go out of my way to help her if she's needing something outside the home but is too fearful to go get it. This will force her to have to do things without the help of others and she won't become co-dependent on you.

Q: Will i have to deal with Panic disorder the rest of my life?
Im 33 years old and i have been battling anxiety/panic my whole life. I used to take Klonopin for many years. I stop taking them. Awful withdrawl. Anyway its been a year with out zero meds and now after i have had my son i have had two full panic attacks . My doc put me on klonopin just to get me to a calmer place . Anyway im just frightned this disorder will never go away.

A: You won't have to deal with it your whole life if you fight back. Letting yourself think you will have the problem forever is the worst thing you can do. Read this ladies story it should help you. http://panicdisorderanxiety.com

Q: What do you do when you have panic disorder with symptoms of depressions and can't schedule an appt w/ a doc?
I am so tired of feeling like a disabled person because of my panic disorder and the depression-like symptoms, and I WANT TO seek treatment, but everytime I call a mental health center, hospital or doctor, they are booked for at least a month. What do I do? I have a job, a life, and I need treatment ASAP. Emergency Rooms are not for treatment!

A: Go to the Emergency Room, they can & will give you meds right away untill, you can get in to see your DR.

Q: How do the doctors diagnose someone with Panic Disorder?
I was reading somewhere that they take blood, and check you out for other illnesses, before they actually diagnose someone...So, How(or what.) do the Doctors do, before diagnosing someone with Panic Disorder. Thanks to anyone who answers.

A: I think it's Heart RAte -- Mine was over 160 beats a minute or something when I was having one. Also sweating, clamminess, just the usual physical symptoms I'd think. If there's a blood test for it, I've never heard of it.