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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Panic attacks
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Panic attacks
by Pen, Jan 14, 2001 12:00AM
I used to be a newsreader on radio until I left several years ago after experiencing panic attacks on air. I just lost my nerve. I would hyperventilate and cut the news short. It happened over a 2 to 3 month period. I know a lot of things conspired to produce this response - bad diet (caffeine nicotine, sugar excesses), lack of exercise, lack of confidence, encountering too many fight or flight response situations etc.My question relates to wanting to go back into radio. I haven't had a panic attack since being off air. I won't go back though unless I know I have medication that will prevent the type of adrenalin rush that makes my heart beat faster and therefore my breathing. A doctor prescribed Inderal (propranolol) several years ago but that was after I left my job so I have no idea if this would be the best medication for me. I took 40 mg occasionally just to see what affect they'd have on me. What I need to know is would this be the best beta blocker to take to prevent those sudden heart rushes of which I speak? And I also need to get the dosage right. I have tolerated 80mg. Or are there better drugs these days? I won't be needing the drug for anything else than reading news. Thanks. PENNY.
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Jan 15, 2001 12:00AM
, Jan 15, 2001 12:00AM
Inderal is one of the safest and best drugs, and since you know you tolerate it well, it would probably be the best choice for you. I will check with some of my colleagues and get back to you later in the week if I find there is something that much better.
But it is probably more important to plan your return as if you are planning a campaign. Do some dry runs, check how you feel, be prepared to be quite introspective and to talk to someone about your feelings. Repeat this several times so you feel confident. The worst part of panic attacks is bringing them on because you are worried that they will occur. Thats where repeated practice can help you break that cycle.
But it is probably more important to plan your return as if you are planning a campaign. Do some dry runs, check how you feel, be prepared to be quite introspective and to talk to someone about your feelings. Repeat this several times so you feel confident. The worst part of panic attacks is bringing them on because you are worried that they will occur. Thats where repeated practice can help you break that cycle.
Member Comments (1)
by heather, Feb 13, 2001 12:00AM
Why people do suicide?
