what would you say if you were my DocTor?!?

Question

If you were my doctor, what would YOU SAY?
ok,if you were my doctor what would you tell me?

hello doctor,i wanted to talk to you about something that has been bothering me for a long time. im experiencing panic attacks, and i cant stay in crowds, or in public. i dont know what to do. i get short breath,shaky legs and hands, and i cant stay still because i feel like im being judged. i cant relax, and i have hard concentrating whats in front of me, but worry about the others in the back. i know this sounds weird, but im young, and i need the help i can get. my heart races as fast as it could, like im having a heart attack, and in my ear, i hear my heart pumping. i feel like im losing control.


what would you tell me if you were my doctor?
im going to him tommorow, so i dont want this to be worthless.thanks!

Answer 1

What you describe sounds like the DSM-IV description of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (fear of going out in public). Shortness of breath, shakiness, heart pounding; all can be symptoms of panic attacks. The DSM-IV TR billing code is 300.21.

I would probably put you on Paxil 20 mg q am (every morning) unless you weigh less than 140 pounds, in which case I might prescribe 10 mg. I would ask you to come back in one month to see how you are doing and if your symptoms are any better or if you have any problem with the medication. I would also ask you to get blood drawn for lab work to rule out a physicial cause such as diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid problems.

I disagree with the other person; go ahead and see a medical doctor. There are plenty of medications that can help and many of them have very mild side effects that may not even affect you.

I have chronic depression, anxiety and have had panic attacks. I have tried medication, St. John's Wort, counselling, meditation. All those things helped to some degree, but the most effective treatment was keeping my appointments with my psychiatrist and taking Paxil everyday. I am the director of my own department at work and I don't see how psychiatric care has ever harmed me in any way--it has made my life much better.

Answer 2

Well it would depend on what kind of doctor I was. If I was your MD I would tell you to find a therapist and likely perscribe something. Be very careful of this. MD's, meaning well are not experts in mood disorders and too often over perscribe or perscribe medication that can be addictive and god knows you don't want to go down that road. Some don't even know if the stuff they are prescribing is addictive so make sure to do some research if he does give you something so you know what your getting into.

If I were a therapist I would discuss the possible causes of the anxiety, when it started etc. and work on helping you develop some coping skills. I would also send you to a psychiatrist to have an evaluation done to see if this may be caused by a chemical imbalance rather than ineffective skills dealing with stress.

Answer 3

That's an anxiety disorder. I'd recommend that you go to counseling/therapy. Depending on severity, I'd probably prescribe an antidepressant (they're used for anxiety, too). Therapy has the potential to cure you of the problem. Meds only treat the symptoms.

If you are living at home, talk to your parents about it. If you have close friends, talk to them, too. Keeping stuff like this locked up tends to make it worse.

Answer 4

Sounds like you may have Generalized Anxiety Disorder, maybe Panic Disorders, Agoraphobia (fear of crowds).

If I were you, I would avoid being diagnosed and just see a counselor. Generally, people go in with anxiety and over the years come out psychotic. Doesn't happen to everyone if they took the time to get their problems fixed right.

A psychologist who doesn't subscribe to APA theory may be of help to. Look for "alternative medicne" or "complementary medicine". Sometimes thats all you need, no more.

Answer 5

Sounds like either you have Panic disorder, Generalized Anxiety disorder, or social anxiety disorder.

I would probably put you an SSRI such as paxil

Answer 6

dont worry!!!!!

this time last week i was shi ttin myself the same as you are! paniking about this! but after suffering symptoms of this kind for years i needed help! and its great that you have accepted you need help quickly and are going to get it!!

i thought people and my dr. would think i was mad but now i hav told them they dont think anything of it! so tell a parent or friend for some support this will mabey help!

you have an anxiety problem! i would say social anxiety, but you dr. will listen ask you some questions about your daily life and give you a choice of medication! medication and counceling!

Answer 7

I advise against taking medication. Instead....

Rather than avoiding the panic, I suggest you go into the panic and let it have you totally....

and you might transcend it completely.

Answer 8

you already prob got wht it is so, i hope you get better. good luck and God bless!!