Panic Disorder Doc Choosing

I have talked to my family dr(s) since I was a teen. Now I'm 35 and I still suffer from what I believe is panic disorder. My family practitioner either gives me something very short term, and suggests that I take an anti-depressant if I need more. Twelve years ago I gave in and started taking Paxil. Some of the social anxiety melted away. However I still suffer anxiety attacks from certain things(thinking about possible confrontation, ps i hate that. Driving in traffic, or being a passenger in bad traffic). I also have not full blown panic attack symptoms, but bad panic from situations where there is no legitimate reason for it(driving or passenger in the dark) or god knows what else brings it on. I feel like my dr is just going to up anti-depressants when I am not depressed. I would like to not take something every day. But something to nip it in the bud when I feel it coming. I'm afraid they will think I am a drug seeker also. I'm also embarassed by it(?why) so I have gone YEARS without bringing it up to my new family doc. What should I do?

Kim

I haven't used those exact words. But when they say"If it happens more than ten or fifteen times a year, we need to talk about putting you on a different dosage of your paxil". So I get discouraged. I will investigate psychiatrists though. Are they the only mental health dr. that can prescribe? Are they the best with panic disorder?

I would suggest you stick with the paxil for a while and see a therapist. I personally saw a psycologist (they cannot prescribe) so my gyn and then family doctor prescribes my paxil. I'm sure they're not all like this, but I've known and heard of quite a few people who were overmedicated by their psychiatrist - kinda left a bad taste for me.

Therapy is not just talking to someone. You should learn Cognitive Behavior Therapy, relaxation techniques, and obtain an awareness and insight of your thought patterns, what may trigger an attack, etc. I found therapy to be an invaluable tool.

Also, dont think of paxil as an antidepressant - think of it as an SSRI. I too had a hard time accepting the fact that I needed an antidepressant. While in that family of drugs, SSRIs are very commonly used to releive A/P.

Best of luck and let us know how you make out.
Karen

Thanks to all of you! This is the best site for info and support. Just so you all know, I have been married a year and a half. I hid taking paxil from him. And I didn't tell him about the panic attacks until the recent holidays when he witnessed a full blown one. Picture me trying to downplay a panic attack. That's what I have been going through for years. His family "sucks it up". They don't go to the doctor unless they are dying. My husband suffered with migraines and bad headaches(3 times a week average) for fifteen years before he met me. He did not go to the doctor.????. I guess that explains my suport system. Thank you all again!

Hi there
I am really glad you found us here and are getting support I believe this place and the peeps are my life line and have got me thru so much in the time I have been here

I know you will feel the same once you are around awhile
This disorder is nothing to be ashamed about and many suffer in silence.......I feel for them ........

That site is

MoodGymsTrainingProgram..com
It is Cognitive behavioural Therapy .........

I do this and have found it great for me I take less meds because of my thinking patterns and ways being changed ......Take care and Post again soon
God Bless
** There is also a migraine forum on here...........***