Ever feel like just banging your head on a wall?

Well, I saw my Dr yesterday. I'm convinced he got his psych degree from a Cracker Jack box.

Every time I asked him a question about my condition, about what causes it, why I have weeks with no attacks, then days with nothing BUT attacks, all he could say is "we don't know"

"we don't know what causes the anxiety"

"we don't know why it just suddenly comes on later in life"

"we don't know why you have long stretches without attacks and then you get them"

I felt like asking if he knew ANYTHING.

When I suggested something a friend had said, she's been through a lot of things similar to me, (trauma, abuse etc) and she said her doctor believes her attacks are brought on not because of anxiety but the ABSENCE of it. That things are going so well for her now, that her mind is waiting for the other shoe to drop - hence the anxiety.

Sounds a lot like me, as I'm happier than I've ever been in my life, and yet these attacks started right around when I was at my happiest, making me wonder if I'm "waiting" for the bomb to drop, as it always USED to, when I was stuck in an abusive marriage.

Well, he replied "Well, it could be something like that but I don't know"

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. What a waste of air he is!!!

its a waste of time trying to work out why each panic attack happened, they are unpredictable and often happen after a stressful event rather than during

helps to carry around a few valium or similar tablets with you and disolve 1 under the tongue, helps a lot, some psychs dont know of this   klonapin wafers, if available, are designed especially for this

self help recovery books or courses for agoraphobia or panic disorder have useful advice

I agree with Lyn and Crying, try and find a doctor you feel comfortable with who actually gives you pro-active advice and support.  It really can make all the difference.  I've had some really dud ones and a few who have changed my life.  Don't give up because of one idiot and try not to bang that head of yours too hard!! Good luck