Aa
Is it true
that panic attacks can be biological? I asked my doctor if I should go speak to someone he told me it's biological and won't really do much he could be right but before this time he told me he thinks it would be a good idea I spoke to someone i'm confused
And another thing...please JOIN this forum. What you'be brought to us is extremely important, not just to you, but everbody here. Your experience -and what you have to say about it- will enrich us all. And, if you join, you can then send/receive individual messages. So, please, do it!
Thanks!
Thanks!
Amor, I could not have said it better myself. As to the inherited aspect, whether a particular individual "gets" what a predecessor had depends on the genes that pass it along. What with the mapping of the human genome, a great deal more is being learned about how that operates for any particular attribute. In some cases, there is a "generational skip," in which the trait shows up in grandchildren but not children. And there is also "generational decay," in which the random impact of just passing the genetic baton, as it were, tends to lessen a trait as it moves along. And then there's -well, you get the idea; there's lots of stuff. Unquestionably, however, genetics is HUGE. The genetics, however, usually refer to traits, to what would develop if no one did anything else. And that's where our upbringing. medical science, education and everything else that we control more completely comes to bear.
Which brings us back to the point. Strong evidence of a genetic component may help us decide what treatments will be most effective, but they certainly do NOT mean that we don't treat at all! And so -get the right doc.
Now.
Which brings us back to the point. Strong evidence of a genetic component may help us decide what treatments will be most effective, but they certainly do NOT mean that we don't treat at all! And so -get the right doc.
Now.
If my doctor told me there is nothing that could be done about it, I would first off, find a new doctor, one who is a little more understanding or maybe just more knowledgeable in this area. My father's side of the family, well my paternal grandmother and uncle both have anxiety as do I (obviously...LoL). I think it can be genetic but don't know that we can blame it all on genes as I do and always have had HORRIBLE anxiety, phobias, etc., yet my brother is perfectly "normal" and nothing bothers or worries him and he never goes to the doctor whereas I call my doctor and when they call back, it's like "what now, Jamie?"
Back to my point, whether it's biological or genetic or it's not, there is still help and support to be had by all of us. The origination of our anxiety should not determine whether something is to be done about it or not. Of course, there are people (like us), therapists, doctors, etc. that you can and should go to. Best of luck and God Bless!
Back to my point, whether it's biological or genetic or it's not, there is still help and support to be had by all of us. The origination of our anxiety should not determine whether something is to be done about it or not. Of course, there are people (like us), therapists, doctors, etc. that you can and should go to. Best of luck and God Bless!
Yeah, that would confuse me, too. Here's the deal:
Biological? Of course it is. But so is everything. We are, as living beings, bio-chemical entities, same as amoebas, grasshoppers and posion ivy. So what? The fact that "it" is biological doesn't really help.
Maybe your doctor was trying to say that panic is passed along genetically, as Mr. Green has suggested -and directly experienced. My own mother was "high-strung" (that's what they called it back in "the day"). My father was very judgemental and quickly became angry. And both were heavy drinkers. So, naturally, my sister and I exhibit some of those same qualities from each. Kinda makes sense. Beyond these personal experiences, there is a growing and very solid body of science that says what comes to us is much more important than we might at first think. Quick example: no one questions that their eye and hair color "runs in the family." Is there any reason to think that our "mentalities" are not also influenced in the same way? Of course not. How can my panic disorder NOT be related to my predecessors?
I'll come back to that idea in a moment, but let's cover one more angle your doctor may have been trying to express: your anxiety has a bio-chemical cause, your "brain juice" is just that way. There's some truth to this, for, indeed, those panic and anxiety feelings are the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies. And, while that may suggest that some medications can counter-balance the effect somehow, it still leaves open the questions we REALLY want answered -WHY? and WHY ME?
The advice to speak to "someone" may have been advice to see a mental health professional, but if the doctor said it as you reported it, it wasn't very clear. But, it IS a good idea.
Now, looking back at the genetic predisposition and whatever chemicals your body is cooking up, we need not take from this that panic is hopelessly incurable. The body and brain are amazing; people with all kinds of conditions and handicaps find ways to make adjustments. As an example, let's take someone who is born with one leg. Twenty years later, that person is running a 10K -and even winning it- because they have an artificial limb which has become so much a part of them that they can almost do what everyone else does. Almost. There will be some things that person can never do because science has not yet come up with a perfect replacement for a leg. Now switch to panic. You will learn to use other parts of your brain to manage the challenge of panic and anxiety. No one would suspect you had panic disorder, and yet, there may still be some things you will never be able to do. Standing near the edge of a cliff, perhaps. Those were very simple examples, but I think you get the idea: the fact that mental attributes are inherited and present bio-chemically does NOT mean they can't be managed.
Now, some conditions have pathological causes which make them especially difficult to treat. Read the post about PANDAS as an example. In this case, the body's defenses seem to be attacking the good parts of the brain, and the chemistry involved can't be radically changed just by thinking about it. For this reason, people who experience panic often are thoroughly examined for physical conditions or diseases that might be at least partly responsible.
In my experience, most people with panic and anxiety learn to cope through 2 kinds of treatment. To relieve the discomfort, fear, nervousness, etc., medication may be indicated. This is like taking an aspirin when you hgave a cold and fever. It helps, some. You still know you are sick, but you feel better and recover faster. It is your own body that eventually provides the "cure."
The other treatment is therapy -talking with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who helps you deal with emotional experience in the past and present and the way you think about yourself and others. This can take weeks and months, maybe a few years (it did for me) but the idea is to help your brain "cure itself." A successful course of therapy often means you take no more (or very little) medication.
There are also steps that can be taken in terms of a supportive environment. Participating in this forum ios a good example; support groups with others who suffer is another. Some people work out, get physically strong and therefore think better about themselves. Some read inspirational books or view self-help videos. There are all kinds of things that can help "jog your noggin" so your thoughts become more positive. It is a good idea to keep your therapist up to speed on everything you are doing.
I hope this has been helpful to you. If you doctor is not on the same page with you, you may want to print this out and take it along next time, and ask for a referral to someone who is qualified to consider the material we've discussed here.
Please stay in touch and let us know of your progress. And please -become a member. It is fast and easy, and gives you a way to communicate individually with people. Thanks for posting.
Biological? Of course it is. But so is everything. We are, as living beings, bio-chemical entities, same as amoebas, grasshoppers and posion ivy. So what? The fact that "it" is biological doesn't really help.
Maybe your doctor was trying to say that panic is passed along genetically, as Mr. Green has suggested -and directly experienced. My own mother was "high-strung" (that's what they called it back in "the day"). My father was very judgemental and quickly became angry. And both were heavy drinkers. So, naturally, my sister and I exhibit some of those same qualities from each. Kinda makes sense. Beyond these personal experiences, there is a growing and very solid body of science that says what comes to us is much more important than we might at first think. Quick example: no one questions that their eye and hair color "runs in the family." Is there any reason to think that our "mentalities" are not also influenced in the same way? Of course not. How can my panic disorder NOT be related to my predecessors?
I'll come back to that idea in a moment, but let's cover one more angle your doctor may have been trying to express: your anxiety has a bio-chemical cause, your "brain juice" is just that way. There's some truth to this, for, indeed, those panic and anxiety feelings are the result of a chemical reaction in our bodies. And, while that may suggest that some medications can counter-balance the effect somehow, it still leaves open the questions we REALLY want answered -WHY? and WHY ME?
The advice to speak to "someone" may have been advice to see a mental health professional, but if the doctor said it as you reported it, it wasn't very clear. But, it IS a good idea.
Now, looking back at the genetic predisposition and whatever chemicals your body is cooking up, we need not take from this that panic is hopelessly incurable. The body and brain are amazing; people with all kinds of conditions and handicaps find ways to make adjustments. As an example, let's take someone who is born with one leg. Twenty years later, that person is running a 10K -and even winning it- because they have an artificial limb which has become so much a part of them that they can almost do what everyone else does. Almost. There will be some things that person can never do because science has not yet come up with a perfect replacement for a leg. Now switch to panic. You will learn to use other parts of your brain to manage the challenge of panic and anxiety. No one would suspect you had panic disorder, and yet, there may still be some things you will never be able to do. Standing near the edge of a cliff, perhaps. Those were very simple examples, but I think you get the idea: the fact that mental attributes are inherited and present bio-chemically does NOT mean they can't be managed.
Now, some conditions have pathological causes which make them especially difficult to treat. Read the post about PANDAS as an example. In this case, the body's defenses seem to be attacking the good parts of the brain, and the chemistry involved can't be radically changed just by thinking about it. For this reason, people who experience panic often are thoroughly examined for physical conditions or diseases that might be at least partly responsible.
In my experience, most people with panic and anxiety learn to cope through 2 kinds of treatment. To relieve the discomfort, fear, nervousness, etc., medication may be indicated. This is like taking an aspirin when you hgave a cold and fever. It helps, some. You still know you are sick, but you feel better and recover faster. It is your own body that eventually provides the "cure."
The other treatment is therapy -talking with a psychiatrist or other mental health professional who helps you deal with emotional experience in the past and present and the way you think about yourself and others. This can take weeks and months, maybe a few years (it did for me) but the idea is to help your brain "cure itself." A successful course of therapy often means you take no more (or very little) medication.
There are also steps that can be taken in terms of a supportive environment. Participating in this forum ios a good example; support groups with others who suffer is another. Some people work out, get physically strong and therefore think better about themselves. Some read inspirational books or view self-help videos. There are all kinds of things that can help "jog your noggin" so your thoughts become more positive. It is a good idea to keep your therapist up to speed on everything you are doing.
I hope this has been helpful to you. If you doctor is not on the same page with you, you may want to print this out and take it along next time, and ask for a referral to someone who is qualified to consider the material we've discussed here.
Please stay in touch and let us know of your progress. And please -become a member. It is fast and easy, and gives you a way to communicate individually with people. Thanks for posting.
Let's just say my dad suffered from anxiety. His mother suffered from anxiety. As did his brother. Now I am sufferer. Biological? I think at times it must be there somewhere as part of the genetic makeup. Passed on down the family line as such. Or is this family just a one off family. Only difference between myself and all other sufferers that have been in this family is drink. They all drank to rid themselves of their fears. Didn't do any of them much good. That was their way. I don't drink. I think I broke that cycle in the family. As the anxiety sufferers in this family all turned into alcoholics come the end of the day. These are just things I am aware of. In this family anyway.
Regardless of the cause of PA's, there IS treatment available for them such as medication and therapy which can substantially improve ones quality of life. It would be a good idea for you to see a qualified psychiatrist who can help you develop a treatment plan - your current doctor appears to be brushing you off as he WONT do anything for you despite the fact there ARE are number of things that can be done!
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