Question:
I had two pretty massive panic attacks over the past 6 months.
Both attacks happened while having some simple medical work done. It's a
horrible feeling. My heart started beating very fast, I felt faint, mind
racing, confusion. I felt like I was being suffocated and I was fighting for
my life.I've never felt like that before. I've never had one before! I do
have a history of some depression/anxiety but these attacks are new and very
scary. Can I expect more of these in the future? Are they books to help
combat them or is a Psychiatrist the best way to go? Should I worry as I
only had 2 in 6 months. I think I know why I had them. I just worry they
will come back.
Answer:
I don`t know if 2 PA`s in a 6 month period warrant any kind of treatment
at this point. Alot of people that don`t have anxiety get very anxious
when undergoing even the simplest of medical tests. You might want to
learn some deep breathing and relaxation exercises, which you could lessen
your anxiety the next time you need medical tests.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/shbreathing/
I also found that voicing my fears to the staff during medical procedures
lessened my anxiety some...............sometimes alot.
If you find that you are having more and more PA`s, that they are
happening in settings other than during medical tests.........then don`t
hesitate to seek help.
Tho very scary I don't think 2 panic-attacks in 6 months
(and also in a scary situation) should make you feel
very insecure. I know a PA has a great impact.
But since both had them in a similar situation I don't think
you need to seek treatment right on.
Jackie gave some good suggestions and maybe I can add one too :
I know of people whom are very scared for any medical treatment
and they get a benzo only for this occasions.
It can help you to relax a bit more :-)
A lot of people have one or two panic attacks during their lifetimes.
They are much more common than you'd think. But very few of them go on
to develop an anxiety/panic disorder.
I can't say what your risk is. The fact that they've both only occurred
in similar circumstances tends to suggest they are more an exaggerated
"normal" anxiety response to what most would find very stressful rather
than the beginnings of ongoing panic.
IMO, your best bet is to ignore what's happened and just go on with
living. If you start having attacks during day to day activity then you
can start worrying. But letting them get to you now may just trigger off
a self fulfilling prophecy.
Many people have one or two isolated panic atacks in their lives which
doesn't mean they have an anxiety disorder. As you had only 2 PA's in 6
motnhs *and* they were clearly trigered by a specific situation there is
little reason to fear that you will not develop a disorder. Don't give
it another thought and when you have to get medical work done ask the
doctor for some Valium to relax you a bit.
