Panic attacks and Exams?

Question

I'm in year 10 and i'm sitting my Trial School Certificate english and science exams tomorrow and i am scared that i will have a panic attack in the middle of it.

I have had about 50 panic attacks over the past 2 months (mostly during the night).
I am in the process of recieving treatment and i have an appointment with a Psychietrist next week.


My question is:
Should i tell my year co-ordinator about my panic attacks so that she can tell my teachers to let me leave the room when i need to?

Answer 1

A) Have your mom write a signed note explaining your problem with panic attacks, then name the Dr you will be seeing.
B) In your mom's note she should request a "modification" or "accomodation" for your testing.
C) As soon as you step onto the school grounds, hand that note to your school counselor / co-ordinator or vice principal (if you don't know who to go to). Verbally ask for a "modification in your testing due to panic attacks"

D) The modification usually offered by the school is that you may take the test in a fairly quiet room where an adult is, that is not the classroom. Sometimes a timed test can be taken without the pressure of limited time.

E) Obtain a written and signed note from your counselor - make copies for yourself and each of your teachers.

F) When at your psychiatrist's do ask that he write you a note on his prescription pad/letterhead requesting a specific modification for your testing. - Make a copy for yourself - Deliver the original to your school counselor to keep on file.

Answer 2

I am single mum. I have been suffering for panic attacks for some 15 years now, though it was not until recently I understood what they were. They were progressively getting stronger and more frequent, stopping me from some days even leaving my house. I read this book and it all made perfect sense.

I am not saying I was not terrified of putting theory to action, I was more scared of that than the next attack! But I decided to view it as a game, one I had control of and could therefore not lose!

Answer 3

You can try, but sometimes these things need to be planned out in advance. A lot of colleges and universities have special needs offices for students with issues, such as yours, so that they can write their exams in private (with a single person watching) or have extra time. Seeing a psychologist will also help a lot with dealing with your panic attacks during exame time.

Answer 4

Yes tell your year co-coordinator about your panic attacks, if you feel comfortable inform your parents. Inform anyone you think may be able to help including teachers, Councillors. If it is a very important part of your life, IE Exams = very important then maybe you want to consult a medical professional who can provide advice and possible treatments.

Answer 5

If your attacks are routine, yes you should tell it immediately. Considering the exam tomorrow and next week's appointment, you should act quickly, but trust yourself and believe that you'll pass your test with a great grade. :)

Hope it'll useful. Hope no more panic attacks.

Answer 6

Yes. Actually a lot of the time you can get special accommodations for something like that. Which means that you can take the exam in a room alone, and possibly get extra time on it.
Ask about it.

Answer 7

Hi hon, I have had this problem and get round it by having a separate room (which to be honest is easier at uni for me now as they have more rooms!). Yes you need to tell them as it may put your mind at rest. It's prob too late to get a separate room but you could get one for your final exams. All the best to you