 
                            Suggest Treatment For Panic Disorder
 
 
                                    
                                     Sun, 20 Sep 2015
                                                
                                            
                                                Answered on
                                                
                                                Sun, 20 Sep 2015
                                                
                                            
                                                Answered on
                                             
                                             Mon, 12 Oct 2015
                                                
                                                
                                                Last reviewed on
                                                
                                                Mon, 12 Oct 2015
                                                
                                                
                                                Last reviewed on
                                             
                                            Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
I understand that this is a very concerning experience you are having. Fortunately, I can tell you with certainty what is going on, and I can tell you further that this condition can be completely and fully treated.
This is definitely panic disorder, and is indeed a classic case of it. Panic disorder does not require a family history, usually starts in a person's early 20s, and does not require a major stressor in order to be provoked. It is a biological condition in which the amygdala, a structure in the brain, is overactive, provoking a fight-or-flight response. Every symptom you describe above is consistent with this disorder. This includes the constant worrying about having another attack, creating between-attack anxiety which makes it seem like nothing has returned to normal after your first one. In young people, these symptoms are rarely associated with some other condition, such as drug (cocaine, amphetamine) abuse, or a heart condition, but a normal urine test and a normal EKG confirm what is already very like, that you have panic disorder.
This is a very, very treatable condition. In the short term, doctors will use benzodiazepines such as Ativan to help keep you calm when an attack starts. The long-term treatment is an antidepressant such as paroxetine which you have already started. It can take 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to take full effect because of the way they work in the brain. Even if paroxetine doesn't work, there are a dozen other antidepressants which can be tried. When on the correct medication, you can expect complete relief from these attacks happening again.
While this is terrifying right now, I can tell you with full confidence that this is panic disorder and that it can be treated with medication.
For a more comprehensive evaluation and answer, ask me on HealthCareMagic at the private link below: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
 
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