panic attacks

[cc1005]

My husband was diagnosed with severe Crohns almost 20 years ago when he was 12.  He was treated with steroids, ineffectually, for many years.   After 3 major surgeries, he is now being treated with Remicade infusions every 6 wks.  This does manage his Crohns reasonably well.  He still suffers multiple BMs each day with extreme urgency and discomfort, which is almost debilitating for most regular jobs.  He just shared with me today that he has been experiencing panic attacks almost daily for more than a month, particularly at night.  It's amazing what a person with chronic disease can endure without mentioning it!  Anyway, I feel at a loss!  I don't know whether to call a therapist, or a GI, or what!  He days he cannot tell if it's physical or phychological.  Help!  I can't find any links between Crohns, Remicade, or panic attacks.  His attacks are not causing his BMs.  They occur anyway.  They are just now occurring TOO.  Am I making sense or am I just a worried rambling wife?  I appreciate any input.      


This discussion is related to panic and bowel movements???.

[CalGal]

You're not rambling, you're caring. He should call his GI doc and discuss what is going on. There are reports in those who are using this type of drug for RA of panic-like disorders. It's something that needs to be addressed because a panic attack isn't 'just' a feeling - it's a feeling accompanied by putting out a lot of stress hormones and other chemicals that aren't doing your husband's system any good.

[nigo]

Treating the panic attacks can help.   If they are not dealt with they may become more frequent and can be just as debilitating as the Crohn's disease, just in a different way.  Talk to his GI and if no help comes from him then talk to your family doc or to a Psychiatrist.   It is not unusual for people with a chronic illness to suffer from accute anxiety and suffering with Crohn's is enough, he doesn't need the panic too.

[cc1005]

Thank you for your input, and for validating my desire to call his GI at Stanford.  Always trust your instincts, right?

[ggreg]

Dear cc,
I have panic disorder, but not from any medications.  CalGal pointed out that medications can cause it.  The steroids your husband took can cause it, and so can withdrawal from them.  If indeed there is a pharmaceutical explanation for his panic, that is easy enough to take care of, depending on whether he's on them or just went off them.

Now, if your husband hasn't been taking steroids for, say, a year or more, then perhaps his panic disorder is more like mine.  Mine comes from physical trauma and are triggered by anything that reminds me of it.  I had to go through a year of exposure therapy with a psychologist, with a psychiatrist giving me tranquilizers for the attacks.  Therefore, if this is his situation, a mental health clinic can drill down on how come he has them, and then they can treat him for it and get him past it.

I hope this helps you a little.
GG