Just diagnosed with Panic Disorder

[ConcernedAbt]

Hi guys;

I am a 33 year old male who recently got diagnosed with Panic Disorder. I was under extreme stress due to work (Human rights lawyer) and financial issues at the time. I subsequently developed a fear of being in elevators for several months. Then in October of this year I experienced a panic attack out of the blue whilst sitting in my lounge room. Immediately after this first panic attack I developed really bad anticipatory anxiety to the point where I was looking out for any signs of another panic attack 24/7. Since October I have had several daily limited symptom panic attacks and now I constantly live in fear of having future panic attacks. I have also now developed a fear that I have untreatable panic disorder and that I will never get any better AND that on top of all this I will no longer lead a normal life and that I will come to a point where I will be suicidal. This in turn freaks me out more and increases the panic cycle.

I have been seeing a psychiatrist and she has now put me on medication. I have also been referred to a clinical psychologist for CBT. I have been on the meds for 4 days now but I have not seen any major changes. Although I must say no matter how fearful I get I no longer get the full blown panic attacks or limited symptom attacks. I just have constant anticipatory anxiety: stomach problems, constant irritability, low mood, extreme tiredness, anxious state etc.

I have been reading online articles on panic disorder and it has freaked me out even more. Apparently, 20 to 40% of panic disorder suffers do not respond to treatment.

Can anyone who was on medication please tell me if it has helped them with their panic disorder. How do I know if I have untreatable panic disorder?

Will I ever be able to have normal days?

Thanks in advance

[white knight]

Hi, welcome

Yes Ive had panic attacks, no fun.

The good news is its treatable, bad news is it can take a long time...25 years for me to fully rid myself of anxiety.

Like many mental disorders approach it with multi layered treatment. GP regular visits, psych therapy if advised, forum peer membets help and life changes.

Life changes? Best I list some relevant threads you can skim through.

Use google

Topic: how I eliminated anxiety- beyondblue

Topic: worry worry worry- beyondblue

Topic: the balance of your life- beyondblue

Topic: be radical- beyondblue

There are many more

Tony WK

[ConcernedAbt]

Hi White Knight;

Thank you for your insight.

Quick question: was it 25 years of constant Adrenalin rushes, irritability, intrusive thoughts, poor sleep etc or a Roller coaster ride for 25 years of both ups and downs?

I don't think I can cope with my current physical symptoms for 25 years....

Or does the body eventually adjust and learn to cope with the anxiety/panic symptoms?

I am literally freaking out and constantly thinking about whether I can survive these constant physical symptoms.

The whole thing is extremely overwhelming.

[white knight]

Hi

I consideted cured when I went 3 years without anxiety at all including panic attacks.

So progress using all of your reachable resources will show dividends within weeks or months. Its a 3 steps forward 2 dteps back situation gor a couple of years but everyone is different.

Eg say you have a toxic family member (I had my mother) and finally you choose to become estranged. Your anxiety will drop remarkably.

Finamcial issues can trigger. I still get a flutter when an unexpected bill arrives but its hardly anxiety. More a spark in memories of 35-40 years ago.

I dont beliebe the body adjusts at all, its an illness you need to be proactive with. Make the changes...a good budget, deep breathing, soul cleansing music, ridding yourself of bad relationships,muscle tensioning exercises, environmental changes, medications and therapy.

A proper diagnosis is essential eg moods could be assessed. In my case I had bipolar 2, the milder one. Im now on mood stabilizers.

All these actions if explored and implemented will tip the scales.

TonyWK