Police officer who develops a panic disorder?

Question

Panic attacks run in our family. Luckily I escaped it. My cousin, who is a cop, thought he did to. Three years into working for the Raleigh, Nc police, he has developed regular panic attacks. Is this common place for cops? They have reffered him to therapy, but said if he is unable to overcome the disorder in 90-180 days, he should consider resigning, or may be asked to leave. Panic attacks and anxiety disorder are the most common mental disorders known to man. In fact about 1 in 9 of us suffer some form of it. So what should he do?

Answer 1

Follow the advice he has been given. A cop especially if he has a partner needs to be able to make competent split second decisions when necessary, his life or his partner's life could hang in the balance and a moments hesitation can be deadly. I know it sucks because for him to want to be a cop shows he wants to do good for others in this case, the good he can do is to resign IF he is unable to control his anxiety. has he tried that program they advertise on TV? Tell him to try it along with what ever therapy he is doing. He needs to try every avenue to keep the job he seems to love.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Psychiatry is not always a black and white field. Many mental disorders are interconnected, and may have many traits that overlap. Even though the diagnosis are different, they both have a lot in common, and you now have a pretty good idea what traits to be concerned with and pay attention to. I think it is great that you have been taking your medication regularly, as that is the number one cause of problem with people who have mental disorders. Many people take their meds, the meds start to work, the people feel better, and then they stop taking the meds! They think that their neurochemical disorder fixed itself, and do not place the credit with the medications. If Cymbalta works for you, you can feel comfortable that your symptoms won't get worse. Of course, your body is always changing, and eventually you may have to change dosages or medications, but just make sure you regularly evaluate how you feel and keep and open dialogue with your doctor. It can take a long time for your body to get used to the new chemical changes, and you might not even realize how much better you are doing. My mom is bi-polar, and my sister and I can always tell when she has gone off her meds. We can also tell immeidately when she goes back on them. Ask your friends and family if they can see signs that you are getting better. I bet you will be surprised at how much they have noticed, but didn't want to mention, as it is a personal issue. You might also want to consider doing some activities to help supplement the Cymbalta. Take a daily vitamin to keep your neurological systems working in top form, exercise with activities you like such as walks outside, dancing in your room to your favorite music, or a yoga class. Talk about your concerns with your friends or a therapist to help remain aware of where you are at mentally. I think you sound like a person who is doing a really good job of taking care of your mental health, You seem to have a healthy attitude, and your worries just show that you are on the path to recovery. And remember, almst every person has some weird mental traits, and most of them do very well in the world. You are normal!

Answer 4

Seek therapy that works and that is comfortable to him. The first therapist is not always the best. Medication may be needed as well. Many cops suffer from anxiety, Panic and depression because of what they see each day. You will probably get stupid comments from cop haters who could not spend a minute in your cousins shoes without peeing all over themselves, so just pass them over. If the panic attacks were brought on by work related stress, he should seek an attorney as well because he has rights under Workman's compensation.

Answer 5

I sympathize with this officer. Panic attacks are something that one doesn't get over in a short period. His job has probably brought on a lot of anxiety and then the panic attacks began. I wonder if he could work a desk job for the police force? If they have offered him therapy, I hope it isn't going to be someone they pick, because a person would not always feel that his meetings with the specialist could be kept confidental. Ask some family doctors, mental health clinics/hospitals for advice on someone good. Make sure they have a masters degree in psychology.
He definitely needs to get into therapy. The therapist can advise him on resigning from his job, rather than letting them telling him to leave. Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 6

Panic attacks and anxiety disorders are resolved with anti anxiety medications. There are a number of meds out which control this. Just be warned if someone starts on Xanax it is a hard medication to get off. But the medication controls Panic attacks and anxiety disorders very well.

Answer 7

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 8

if it is not just stress(a cop is a very stressful job and it does not pay well)

the most common panic attacks come from a lot of different things mostly the body is low on something.i used to get them 2-3 time a month after lots of doc's i found that a daily vitamin and something to take care of low dopamine levels worked well i have not had one for years but can feel them coming on i just take my vitamins and its all fine

as for dopamine levels legal approach is green tea it does not take much a glass a day maybe two.

there are illegal ways but being a cop well you know.

Answer 9

Well he is on the right track with speaking with someone but he need to be open and honest. If the person prescribes drug and it is not against department policy then he need to try to do the drugs also try making changes in his life, take up a good hobby that is not work related. Too many cops collect old cop cars, patches/badges, even guns. Have a hobby that does not remind you of your job. Finally exercise. He has a disability and should not be discriminated for having it.

Answer 10

the stress a officer faces daily never has a chance to go away. the reason is that you face it again the very next day.it is the main problem officers in dealing with the stress.i have never heard it called a panic disorder.well over 90% of the time it is diagnosed as ptsd.there are treatments out there.there are medicines and councel that helps