I just started having then with in the last 4 months or so. They sort of came out of no where, Buts it's become a weekly thing. I watched your show this morning and I believe it helped me a lot better to understand them & some what control them so they do not control me.
Thank you

I have all of the symptoms listed here but I also pass out and have seizures. Is the very common or indicative of something else going on also?

i was wondering if you had an e-mail address i could contact to learn more about panic atacks?

I have delt with Panic attacks 4 a long time...i got a chance to watch the show this morning...hopefully the info that i got will help me control them easier so i can have a better life.. : )

I TO JUST STARTED HAVING THE ATTACKS ABOUT FOUR MONTHS AGO..I HAVE SEVERAL A DAY LASTING ABOUT TWENTY MINUTES..I HAVEN'T SEEN MY DOCTOR YET..SHOULD I? THANK YOU FOR THE SITE AND HELPING ME UNDERSTAND THEM..

I started having htem 8 monthes ago. I havre had two now. When I think back on both about a week before the first full blown attack I remember being short of breath when I spoke then a week later my first full blown attack it came out of nowhere. I wasn't under stress I went to the emergency room and had all the heart tests. Although mine wasn't lasting 15 min or so it lasted weeks. I wanted to just stay in my house. My doctor put me on Lexapro 10mg I went back a week later still out of breath heart pounding left arm numb he upt my meds to 20mg and now I am fine. I have missed work THERE WAS NO WAY I COULD GO NOR LEAVE THE HOUSE. Everything is fine now because of Lexapro. I really haven't had any stress in my life so I don't know where this all cme from.

I've dealt with panic attacks/agoraphobia for 17 years, and if i would have seeked that behavior modification therapy, I would have been helped LONG ago. try it. I'm doing it on my own now, constantly trying to go beyond my comfort zone, and it's terrifyng at times, but it's working. A book that a doc gave me was the best help ever, HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES. Get it! I believe panic attacks are a physical resonse to stress and poor nutrition (a lot of sugar for me). Your panic button gets trigger happy and sets off for no apparent reason. That will die down. But if you add EXTRA FEAR to it because you don't know what's going on, that's what prolongs and worsens it. You will be fine, believe me!

I had my first panic attack when I was 19, and attending college at a state university. I ultimately had to move back home, take time away from school, and I even closed myself off from the world excluding my immediate family. I was afraid to go anywhere by myself for a long time. My family thought I was nuts and just trying to get attention from them. I am 21 now, and after using counseling services, and learning how to control the symptoms, and simply relax I have regained control of my life. There are still days where I am scared to go to work or school because I feel anxious, and "panicky", and I just have to remind myself that I am healthy, and everything in my world is fine. I have found ways to conduct my life so that my stress and anxiety is kept to a minimum. I stay away from caffeine completely, and use deep breathing techniques to relax my body and mind. I find that researching what causes anxiety and panic disorders it helped to not let it control my life.

I have been Having Panic attacks for about 6 years, I feel they are brought on by feelings of guilt and the inability to say "no" to people. I have been put on at least 3 different medications but found the side affects of these drugs were worse then the actual panic attacks. It is a very scary feeling when I have the attacks and the only way I get through them is by talking myself down. I find more and more that I have withdrawn from alot of things in life that seem to trigger the attacks which is very sad because it's the people I Love but was never able to say no to that I have left behind. I on the other hand still live a full active life, I just must pick and choose all my situations with care.

I have suffered from panic attacks for years. Two members of my family also suffer. Between the three of us, we have be prescribed almost every anti-anxiety and depression medication on the market. Zoloft is toted as the best for anxiety attacks but it hasn't worked for me. I have done cognitive therapy for quite a few years with 2 specialists but it hasn't helped. I exercise, eat well, drink no caffeine,but I still suffer. I don't want to go through this the rest of my life. Has anyone done anything differently to help?

I am 40 years old with five children (3 still at home). Haven't felt well for awhile & was convinced I have an undiagnosed heart condition. I experience all the symptoms of these panic attacks. Recent events include husband being diagnosed with epilepsy, I recently left job to work at home, & in process of renovating basement into an apartment for my elderly parents, one of which is suffering from dementia. Started a round of testing at a doctor's last week, but honestly after seeing this show and doing more research on the internet, I really think I may be suffering from panic attacks. I feel I have always coped well with stress in my life but maybe the latest issues are proving too much. I am afraid to share this with my husband/family & friends for fear of their reactions. I have always been the one who keeps it all together and now what will they think of me if I can't.

I STARTED HAVING PANIC ATTACKS WHEN I WAS A TEEN I AM 42 YEARS OLD NOW AND THEY STARTED AGAIN, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A STRESSED PERSON BUT I HAVE REALLY BEEN STRUGGLING SENCE THE ATTACKS HAVE STARTED AGAIN. I WAKE UP IN THE MORNING HAVING A ATTACK I CONSTENTLY WORRY ABOUT MY ANIXITY SYMPTOMS IT SEEMS MY WHOLE LIFE HAS CHANGED MY DOCTOR PUT ME ON ZANAX AT FIRST BUT I STOPPED TAKING IT BECAUSE OF THE FEAR OF BECOMING ADDICTED. I AM ALSO ON PROZAC BECAUSE I HAVE BECOME DEPRESSED BECAUSE I FEEL THAT I WILL NEVER BE THE SAME PERSON I WAS BEFORE. THIS IS SUCH A CONSTANT IN MY LIFE "TOTALLY SUCKS I HAVE READ SEVERAL BOOKS FOR SELF HELP. HOPE AND HELP FOR YOUR NERVES BY DR. CLAIRE WEEKES. THIS HAS HELPED SOOM BUT THINGS STILL ARE VERY TUFF I ALSO ORDERED TAPES BY LUCINDA BASSETT" MIDWEST CENTER WWW.STRESSCENTER.COM" THIS MAYBE HELPFUL TO SOMEONE THAT IS SUFFERING LIKE I AM. IF ANYONE HAS ANYMORE SUGGESTION THAT MIGHT HELP ME GET THOURGH THIS CRIPPLING ILLINESS PLEASE LET ME KNOW
THANKS KAREN

I have suffered from panc attacks for years. I have learned to stay from caffeine and try to exercise but I still get them. I have been on several types of medication and the only one to truly help me is Xanax. I only take them if I am having a panic attack. I never leave home with out my prescription, just in case! The pills will kick in about 10 to 15 min after taking them and they just bring me back to normal. Let me tell you though, you will literally think that you are going crazy and that the whole world is closing in on you. It is not a joke either it is a real fear that inflicts a sense of indescribable terror!

Gosh! I did not realise so many of us are having panic attacks.I started having them at age 45.I don't know the reason for them but I sure as heck don't like them.I take meds for them and it seems to heip although one will pop up from time to time.They are the scariest thing I have ever experienced.Good luck to one and all. Nancy

I have suffered with panic attacks for 30 years. Actually, I think I may have had a few when I was in jumior high, but that was before they were know as panic attacks. I have bouts where they are severe, then they disappear for months and even years. Then out of the blue they come back. This last time I was started on Zoloft, but the side effects were worse than the attacks themselves, so now I just have Xanax. I hate taking it and get mad at myself that I cannot control this when I know what it is. Lately though my blood pressure goes high when I'm having an attack and so now I worry that I will have a stroke. I used to have a wonderful therapist that a lot, but she moved and I have not been able to find anyone else that I feel like has helped. I just get so down sometimes and can go nowhere far without my husband along. This is a horrible thing and I just wish I could get it under control again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Started having atacks in a delayed stress reaction period. There is such a negative stigma to this, you don't speak of it outside your DR. Thank you for this piece. Medication and all the things mentioned in the piec have them under control 99.99% of the time. Although I am a reasonable intellegent person, while they are happening, I cannot talk myself out of the fact that I am not going to die. I have great compassion for those who suffer. Don't be afraid to seek help and advice! Jane

I SEEN THE SHOW THIS MORNING AND WAS WATCHING ABOUT THIS TOPIC. I STARTED HAVING THESE ATTACK A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO. BUT NOT SURE IF IT REALLY IS PANIC ATTACKS. I HAVE A PROBLEM BEING IN RESTURANT OR IN PUBLIC PLACES WITH LOTS OF PEOPLE. I FEEL LIKE THAY ARE IN MY SPACE AND TAKING MY BREATH AWAY. IT LIKE I CAN HEAR A CONVERSATION FOUR TABLES AWAY FROM ME. I JUST RECENTLY TOOK A TRIP AND HAD TO FLY OH BOY THAT WAS NOT FUN 2 HOURS ON A PLAIN WITH THE PERSON ACROSS THE WAY SEEM TO BE ELBOW LENGTH AWAY. SO IS THIS REALLY PANIC ATTACKS OR SOMETHING ELSE? I HAVE SEEN A DOCTOR AND HE SEEMS TO THINK IT IS PANIC ATTACKS. BUT FROM WHAT I READ IT DONT SEEM TO BE. PLEASE HELP. THANKS

I have also suffered from panic attacks for years, I am 23 and have had mine since I was 16. I have been having them so long now and am only now having the ability to reconize them. Though my problem is that I have palpations and skipped heart beats so I have myself convienced I have a heart problem or condition. I always figured if I didn't have those skipped beats I'd be fine since that was the route of my panic. Though, I now see it's more than that. What to do next.

I have this exact same problem ...

I have all of the symptoms listed here but I also pass out and have seizures. Is the very common or indicative of something else going on also?

Posted by Linda on April 19 at 09:27am

I caught the show at the last minute. So I decided to go to the internet. I've been having panic attacks sense 2003, it's been hard truggling with the situation. Its now 2007 and I been on thousands of medication. They call my panic attacks pseudosiezers because thats the way my body reacts. But I wish I new why my legs and my feet get very bad muscle spasms and its hard for me to walk. I was on a cane for at least a year because of my illness. Even through all of that I managed to stay focus and staying strong through the grace of GOD! I wish every everyone strength and courage not to give up!

I,M FEMALE, MARRIED FOR 23 YEARS,I,M 40 WITH FIVE GIRLS: I'AM A CHRISTIAN:
IF YOU ARE FEMALE AND ARE AROUND MY AGE GROUP PLEASE CONTACT ME SO WE CAN TALK.
IT MAY HELP US. I'VE BEEN FIGHTING PANIC DISORDER FOR A FEW YEARS NOW.
E-MAIL MASSEYPLUS@AOL.COM

I have been diagnoised with Panic Attack Symptoms since 1996,have been taking Zoloft ever since. All the symptoms you discussed was what I was suffering with. the most horrifing being the feeling of dying. With the medications it mostly is under control, but when stressful times come up, I feel that without my Meds,meditation and prayer I would fall into another episode. This past year was a stressful year, I had a Brain Tumor removed that caused neurological damage and a paralized vocal cord. So you see that there was a bit of anxiety going on. I am unable to work due to the difficulties cause by the surgery and the Panic Attacks. Anxiety & Sleep Apnea also contributed to the attacks. Chronic Fatigue syndrome also is a factor. My doctors have put all factors together for the panic attack diagnoises. The Chemical disorder was treated with the Zoloft, and the realization that I need to slow down, & pay atention to me. Thank you for your article & your talk on the Today Show, it will help understasnding this.

I disputed my doctor for a year or more when he said he thought I was having panic attacks. I just knew it wasn't "in my head", it was my heart. I went to the ER numerous times thinking I was having a heart attack. They would just happen out of the blue, for no reason. I finally found an article in Readers Digest that described my symptoms and the feeling I had that I was going to die right then. That article helped me to accept the diagnosis and recognize symptoms so now when I feel a panic attack coming on, I take my medication (Ativan) which calms me and seems to pre-empt the attack. But I am NEVER without my Ativan!!! Now I think one of my sons is experiencing panic attacks although he hasn't been diagnosed yet. Thanks for your program this morning. It is comforting to know you are not going crazy and other people have to cope with these feelings, too!!

I started having what I think are Panic Attacks? My boyfriend thinks that I'm crazy because just out of nowhere they happen to me. Although, My attacks seem like they last longer the 15-20 minutes, and my mouth gets really dry and i get sick to my stomach and feel like I'm about to vomit. I don't even want to go to my favorite resturants anymore, leave far away from my house, or take midnight drives with my boyfriend because I feel out of my eliment. I'm in search of finding a new doctor who can maybe help me with this problem. I didn't know how many people suffer from this type of problem. I wish EVERYONE THE BEST OF LUCK!!!!

Ambulance chasers make a living from the tragedy of others. Journalists appear to be vying for that distinction.

Some suspect that NBC executives are ecstatic over the fact that a ratings boost arrived in the mail and that the murderer graced them and not their competitors with the gift.

TV journalists now embody the materialism that the murderer spoke of.
Their quest for the "exclusive" dictates their decisions. They even make a competition out of mass murder.."32 Killed..The WORST In History"!

The "Cho Manifesto" was time released throughout NBC's nightly broadcast. Viewers were told they could see even more on NBC's Today Show, which is a program that also demonstrates how journalists detonate the disenfranchised.

Meredith Vieira shows how future broadcasting jobs are being reserved for children of the privileged as she brazenly gives her own kids the advantage of appearing on camera.

Journalists are so egotistical that they mistakenly think the public believes their professed altruism.

i've been having panic attacks since i was 19, i'm now 44 and i still have them. they seem to get worse when the season change especially in the spring. of course it's debilitating, scarry, certain medications help a great deal, but usually become more like a crutch. i have found that an addiction to medications like xanax do help, BUT, if you become addicted you actually have a much bigger problem on your hands and it can destroy you if you let it. Know that xanax is only a bandaid, not a magic pill or a cure all. xanax is sevearly addictive and must be only used with a doctors constant supervision. take it from someone who knows, the addiction can be worse than any attack! some doctors have likened it to a heroin addiction and the detox is pure hell, you can actually get dope sick. but don't give up, life is not over because of panic attacks... seek help and don't ever give up!!!

My panic attacks disappeared when a good doctor finally discovered that my thyroid is slightly off. I had had panic attacks for 5 years. I could open a pharmacy with all of the psyciatric drugs that have been perscribed to me. I have had all of the extensive heart tests that there are. Last fall my panic attacks were so bad I was having them as I woke up and could not function during the day.

I had four MD's do standard blood work and tell me that all, including my thyroid, was fine. My mother-in-law talked me into going to a thyroid specialist. They do a longer blood test that can determine when your tyroid is slightly off. I had no family history of thyroid problems, but the test showed I was slightly hypo-thyroid. Since taking the medication for that, all of my symptoms are gone! I have my life back! No panic symptoms, much less panic attacks!

Have your thyroid checked before you try phyciatric drugs. Not the simple test that your family doctor does, but a real thyroid test.

By way of caution, some people, especially young women, can be misdiagnosed with panic when there's actually a medical problem. I have something called "POTS" - postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome - that is often misdiagnosed as anxiety/panic because it is difficult to spot and has the same symptoms. I spent a year thinking my racing heart was panic, until I got so bad I passed out and ended up in the hospital with heart damage from the long-term racing. So, be careful.

I caught the end of your segment this morning. I was so sorry to have miseed this important segment. I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder last year,after being awakened with a panic attack inthe middle of the night. I was sound asleep....then awakened with afull blown panic attack. I was sweating,shaking,very clammy,hands tingling,and oh so panicky!! That was the beginning of a painful,frightening realization that panic attacks had become a daily part of my life. My physician has been very helpful and compassionate. I would not be leading a fulfilling life without my medication(Zanax and Zoloft). I am not addicted to these meds, anymore than a diabetic is addicted to insulin. Panic Disorder can paralyze your life and the lives of those you love. There is help. It does,however,take some time to find the right medication and dosage. Also, most importantly, I WAS MONITORED WEEKLY BY MY PHYSICIAN FOR THREE MONTHS. These meds require monitoring and consistency. THERE IS HOPE FOR A HAPPY, PRODUCTIVE LIFE.

This is in response to Diane posted at 11:26am.I found a gynocologist who specializes in thryoid disorders. A thyroid blood test was taken and I was in the "normal" range. Well, normal is not normal for everyone. She looked at ALL of my SYMPTOMS, not the test result. I was hypothyroid based on my symptoms. I woke up with panic attacks, had tingling and "numbness" in my extremities, had panic attacks throughout the day--well, just Google "symptoms of Hypothyroidism" to see if you have any of these symptoms. I'm taking a thyroid hormone and am beginning to feel the positive results. Unfortunately, typical "western" doctors diagnosis the thyroid strictly on the blood test. Many alternative medicine MDs are more open to listening. I hope to go off of my antidepressants as my throid dosage reaches its effective dose. After seeing over 8 doctors including other gynecologists for perimenopause and/or onset of menopause, I think that this doctor is finally saving my sanity.

I had real bad anxiety attacks after i had my first child. I couldn't eat or sleep for months, and i felt like i was going insane. It's the worst expierience i have ever had. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy (if i had one). Very scary time. Thank god my girlfriend told me what was going on. She had them also because she was going through chemotherapy and radiation for breast cancer. As long as you are aware of what is happening makes a big or should i say huge difference in how you handle it. I have been off prozac for 4 yrs now, and if i feel a little funny i sit down and focus on something positive and breathe. Just relax and breathe deep in and out. It is so much easier to deal with when you are aware of what is happening. Just thought I'd share. You feel you are the only one going through this, but your not. That makes it a little easier also.

I have been struggling with these symptoms for a few years-since I decided on a career change. Mine last about 30-45 minutes and include a severe drop in blood pressure 73/36. I made two trips to the ER, but upon arrival was fine. Drs had no real diagnosis, but put me on Zyrtec as they were leaning toward an unknown allergic reaction sort of like a bee sting. I think the meds helped only because I had relief in a diagnosis and hope. I still have episodes, but can link it to stressful times when I haven't been taking care of myself-diet/exercise. At its worse, I was not leaving my house out of fear, therefore not exercising-I love to walk in the woods. A dear friend (acupunturist) felt it was anxiety and coaxed me back into the woods - epipen/Benadryl in hand. My episodes decreased and I am convinced it has been stress, anxiety, fear the whole time. This article gives me even more hope. Would like to hear from anyone experiencing these symptoms especially the drop in blood pressure. jwwyoming@hotmail.com

I forgot to add this. Everyone thought it was post partem depression, but it went alot deeper than that. And in response to Julie. Xanax was heaven scent to me. As long as anyone takes a script the way a Dr. tells you thier should be no reason to be scared about addiction. Wish i had this when i was going through it. You gals or guys will get through this! Thier is always a light at the end of the tunnel, sometimes it takes a little extra time to find it!!!!!!

Panic attack was suggested to me early on, but I just didn't think my body could do that to itself. The more I read the more I am convinced that anxiety is exactly it. Even though sometimes it has hit out of the blue-like in the middle of sleeping-most of the time I can link it to stress or not taking care of myself. I do feel very hopeful these days though. Thru proper care and positive self talk, I am rarely having them. Now when I feel one coming on I say to myself,
"I'm okay. I'm okay..." And I've worked thru them. To anyone having these episodes, hang in there. There is hope. Sometimes you have to take care of yourself first. And don't forget to BREATHE! Once at the start of one I screamed at my boyfriend, "I can't breathe!" He looked my in the eye and said, "Just breathe." I began taking deep slow breaths and the ill feeling went away. There is hope!

There is SOMETHING ELSE that has the EXACT SAME SYMPTOMS of a "panic attack".The different medical departments DO NOT TALK W/ ONE ANOTHER so one does not know what the other has PROVEN!(like our goverment!)I pass out on about 3% of these.(many NEVER PASS OUT)I had these since I was a young child and always told it was "mental". This stressed me out!When I was 26 I had holes cut in my head and wires implanted in the brain.I pushed a button when I "felt" these feelings. This would mark the EEG.
The diagnosis:EPILEPSY!
THESE "ATTACKS" ARE CALLED "AURAS"!Also called a "SIMPLE SEIZURE".This is a "neurologic disease" NOT MENTAL! The brain "OVERFIRES" sending FLOOD OF SIGNALS & CHEMICALS (ADRINILIN) to the blood which starts the "feelings". 90% of people having these are mis-diagnosed because REGULAR DOCTORS DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT EPILEPSY!I have woke up in the MENTAL UNIT!It's in the Bible called a "DEMON"! Not much has changed in the stigma!
It's ONE OF THE TOP DISEASES TODAY! It's MIS-DIAGNOSED 90% OF THE TIME!

I went to the doctor with the same symptoms, she said it was an anxiety attack turned out I had a heart flutter.
I'm on meds now and it hasn't returned thank goodness

Alternative to medications: I have been in the ER 3 times bc of panic attacks. It started when I got my drink spiked Fresh year in college. It got really out of control and I was afraid to leave my dorm and to go anywhere. My Dr wanted to put me on xanax but I said no bc I heard it does terrible things to you in the long run. I researched panic attacks and alternative ways to treat them and I haven't had a panic attack in 2 and 1/2 years: So here is is-

1) When you feel one coming go to the bathroom, sit on the toilet and massage your temples and your neck. This will stimulate blood flow to your brain and make you calm down

-This sucks I can't write all that I want because there are a limited amount of characters. e-mail me if you need help- s0497344@monmouth.edu

To Jimmie: Those are panic attacks. I had those for a long time. I wrote the previous post but I'll try to fit in some more things you can do to stop them:

2) I was afraid to pass out because I was breathing so heavily during them, then I talked to a DR and he told me that if I did pass out that my breathing would return to normal.

3) MEDITATION is the best thing in this world for panic attacks. It has completely helped me to remove my mind from scary situations and not to be afraid. Listen I have so many other things to help.

Please e-mail me and I will tell you all the research I have done and many ways to stop panic attacks from coming!!!! s0497344@monmouth.edu

I'm sorry I'm reading all of these posts and I feel bad because I was in this situation 3 years ago. I didn't know who to turn to and thought I was crazy. I really want to help anyone who needs help because you can get over this! I swear to you!!! Please e-mail me seriously (look in above post) I don't want anyone to suffer as long as I did and pay all those friggin ER bills lol...

I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder and Panic Attacks 10 months ago. I have always struggled with depression, anxiety, and stress in my life. I thought I was holding up well considering life events when out of the blue, the attacks started. It always seemed to be on the weekends when I was dealing with my family. Then they started coming more frequently. I had to leave work for two months to pull myself together. I too was afraid of going outside the house. I have been on several meds and have found that Ativan works best for me. I see a behavior therapist and a psychiatrist as part of my ongoing treatment. I came to realize I was a doormat for others so now I am learning boundaries and taking time out for myself. This has not been easy since most people in my life depend on me. Tough, they will need to get over it as I work to evolve into the person I need to be to be happy. I realize that I will need to work on this for a long time but at least the attacks have lessened and are more manageable.

I had my first panic attack a month ago. I am amazed that there is so much info about something that I didn't know existed ubtil recently. I have tried Zoloft and Lexapro and hate the side effect so I will be calling a psychologist. Blessings to you all.

I've struggled with panic attacks since I was five (I'm now 24) and was diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorders and depression at 13. It's been a long and painful struggle, but I've been taking Zoloft and feel better (or at least more in control!). One suggestion I have is exercise. I hate doing it, but it helps to burn off excess nervous energy AND make me feel more relaxed (or at least tired out!). I also do things that help me relax (i.e. reading a book, cleaning my house, playing with animals, etc.). I also talk to my husband and others who understand. And when I get full-blown panic attacks (shaking and sweating and all that), I remind myself that it WILL pass and focus on deep breathing and conscious muscle relaxation. Sometimes it's discouraging--because I know this will never really go away. I recommend trying biofeedback--it can help you focus your mind, and it teaches you how to read your own body. Knowing you really CAN slow your heart rate, breathe deeply, and calm your thoughts is a big help!

If you're dealing with panic, anxiety or phobias, or would just like up-to-date information on this topic, please stop by our outstanding message board for 24/7 support :)

http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhpanic

I started having panic attacks about 10 months ago.but I quit taking celexa and klonipin because of the addition to it.My husband purchased attacking anxiety and depression,from the midwest center and it really helps me,it has several different tepes to listen to and a workbook to work in.anyway if anyone wants more info my email is penn15923@yahoo.com

There is a really great memoir about panic disorder called I DON'T WANT TO BE CRAZY by Samantha Schutz. It's all about her struggles with anxiety disorder, seeing therapists, trying different medications. It's a great story--filled with lots of hope. It was also very comforting to read. it made me feel less alone. I highly recommend it.

I had a string of serious panic attacks about 4 years ago that would occur several times a day and had me going to doctors constantly. After attempting treatment with antibiotics (thought it was dizziness from middle ear infection) and BusPar (anti-anxiety med), I decided to work on my own thinking that was perpetuating my own anguish. I was a student of cognitive psychology at the time and I basically used what I was learning to make myself well. I used my new found fear of stimulants (which I quickly learned made my anxiety worse) to quit my two pack a day smoking habit. I cut back on caffeine and I tried to avoid a lot of sugars and "garbage" foods. Not only are my panic attacks pretty much gone, when I do get them they are much less severe and I have learned to just ignore the feeling because you will feel ten times stronger for overcoming it. Oddly enough, I am grateful that I had the "wakeup call" I did back in 2003, because I don't think I would be nearly as strong and outgoing a person as I am today.

I too have been suffering from panic disorder since a teenager. Does anyone know where to find a therapist in Queens? I suffered enough and I am ready for therapy. E-mail me at bertadyee@yahoo.com. Thanks.

Thank you for the information. I suffered my first attack on Tuesday
after watching the news about the shooting at V/T. I ended up in the Emergency room of my neighborhood
Hospital. It felt real, (that I was having a heart attack). And yes I had two cups of Rich Cocoa which I haven't dranked in years. All my test returned neg. Thank You!
Ohi

I was working security at a mall and was overcome by dizziness. I began to to "freak" out. I started to have thoughts of having a heart attack and even dying. I felt tingly all over and numb. I could not breath. That was about 5 yrs ago when I was 21. Since then I was rushed to the emergency room, had tons of tests done, and the Drs said I am perfectly healthy. After being misdiognosed I found a family physician that treated me for panic disorder with zoloft. 5 yrs later I still get extrememly anxious with new situations, but the panic attacks have virtually stopped. I would not wish them on anyone. It was the worst experience of my life! I didnt want to leave my home for anything. I lost a lot of friends, but my girlfriend stuck by my side through it all and now we are engaged. Word of advice: dont hide it. tell your friends and loved ones. the support will get you through it. Bill S.

I began having panic attacks as a young teen. Doctors said it was based on stress from my parent's divorce. I did have an EKG done for my own piece of mind, and that was that. Until now. Now I'm nearly 40 and they have started again, out of the blue. I can't sit through meetings, movies, go shopping alone, drive long distances alone, or be anywhere, sitting for a long time. I talk myself down to normal, but because it is so real and so scary, now I avoid doing these things. It is horrible not being able to simply drive 1/2 hour by myself.

I am 26 years old and I have had panic attacks since I was 19. I was on Zoloft for many years and that seemed to help ALOT. But now, I don't have any health insurance and cannot afford to pay such high costs for prescription drugs. A few months back I ordered these herbal pills on line for anxiety/panic attacks...They seem to help somewhat, but not completely. I just wish I knew what to do in order to rid these things for the rest of my life!! It is so good to hear that I am not the only one that suffers from this, I am going to look into the books that several people have recommended on here, and I am going to try and eat better and cut back on my caffene. Thank you all for sharing your stories....May we all overcome this!!

I began having these attacks for sometime and high blood pressure and I know exactly where everyone is coming from. I stopped taking the meds for the attacks and have learned to deal with them and get on with my life. There are better things to do than worrying all the time. Learn to relax and definately take some time for yourself! Lock the door if you have to or just sneak out of the house to get some alone time. I've never really thought that doctors were listening to what I was telling them so I so my own thing and take it one day at a time.

I began having these attacks for sometime and high blood pressure and I know exactly where everyone is coming from. I stopped taking the meds for the attacks and have learned to deal with them and get on with my life. There are better things to do than worrying all the time. Learn to relax and definately take some time for yourself! Lock the door if you have to or just sneak out of the house to get some alone time. I've never really thought that doctors were listening to what I was telling them so I so my own thing and take it one day at a time.

i'm 48 yrs old and have had panic attacks on & off since my mid 20's. i'm currently on klonopin 1mg 3 times a day and the antidepressant lexapro 20mg a day. i also see a therapist one on one 2 times a month. i still avoid certain activites ( the fear of the fear) but i lead a life a little closer to normal with the meds & therapy. the panic also led to alcoholism. i'm sober 2yrs now & plan to stay that way. all i can say to others is, rule out physical causes and see a psychiatrist ASAP. if you don't things will just get worse. hope this helps. Gerry

i've had drs. tell me that lots of times a panic disorder can stem from depression, even if you don't feel "depressed", also can be caused from some kind of trauma experienced as a child. it also runs in families, so check back in your family history to see if anyone in your family has had this problem. the more you search, the more you can find out about the attacks you have, what might be causing them, and how you can get a handle on this, and have some hope for recovery. this world is scarry enough without the panic attacks, and it's so difficult to deal with life with attacks, always seek help until you find something that helps. talk to whoever you can, don't suffer in silence, it's the worst thing you can do. one dr taught me how to do the controlled breathing exercises, and sometimes it helps if the attcks are'nt so severe.it's not just deep breathing, it's breathing through your abdomen instead of your chest. best of luck to all.

The Today Show failed to include the most effective treatment for panic attacks - exposure therapies. When exposure therapies are used first and then relaxation strategies almost 90% are panic free for a full year. Interoceptive Exposure is the process of bringing on symptoms of panic by doing exercises like holding your breath or running up a flight of stairs so that one habituates to the feelings of fear. Exposure also includes gradually facing situations that cause fear. Relaxation and some medications like Xanax (and other benzodiazepenes) negatively reinforce the fear and can prolong the process.

Your panic attack story was kind of strange. The first part was all about two women with some kind of agoraphobia who needed counseling and then Gail came on and gave advice about chemically-induced panic attacks. My husband gets chemically-induced panic attacks and Gail's advice was on the mark but the video about the two examples seemed unrelated to my husband's experience and to Gail's follow-up.

Iv'e actually had panic attacks while i was sleeping. Try waking up from one of those,You really feel that you are dying.I'm on medication,Lexapro. I don't take it every day,don't want to get addicted.

I have had GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) since I was 7; I am 41. Panic attacks and anxiousness are a way of life for me; it is interfering with my quality of life. All I think about (obsess) is what is wrong with me, when will the next one happen, where will I be, wakes me up in the night, keeps me from enjoying things I used to love. The sensations are very real, the fear is crippling. Open to suggestions.

There are so many of us with anxiety...incredible.

I think I'm having panic attacks, but I'm not entirely sure.
I first got one in a hotel room in an unfamiliar city in Thailand while traveling. I woke up in the middle of the night with my heart beating like crazy, sweating and I felt like I was going to die but I couldn't figure out why. Since then I've had a couple incidents where it felt like I was getting an attack but I didn't. They seem to feel like they might occur now if i'm in an unfamiliar place. Though, two days ago I got one at home. I was very over tired and I had drank a lot of caffeine. Since getting this my chest feels tighter and I feel like I have heart problems....

I am 46 and after a trip to the emergency room for what I believed was a heart attack, all tests were negative. The doctors believed it was due to acid reflux. After talking with my mother I found out my entire family has suffered from panic attacks and is on medication. Wish they would have passed that info on earlier. The symptoms are just like everyone says, pains in the chest, jaw, back and tingling sensation all over your body. The combined with the fear of dying is a terrible feeling. I am in the Military and if they find out about my problem, I may be out of a career. Thankfully I do not fly a plane. Best of luck to all that suffer.

I'm started the Linden Method and it seems to helping with my symptoms. I will post an update in a few weeks.
This looks good :)

why in BENEFITS OF HEALTHY MARRIAGES, More satisfying sexual relationship is not in women section????

Once again, Hysteria, although it was created by any number of outside forces, is not used as a diagnosis much anymore.
Bug bites, spider bites, and even small scratches from animals with rabies can cause these things to happen. It's really difficult to tell the cause. Food poisoning is a common reason for such things as this.

Bruce

I just recently started having panic attacks about 3 months ago. I felt like I was gonna die! It was terrible! I ran outside in my pajama's! I told my neighbors it was the end for me! I was so so scared. I am not on medication but was told to calm down, stop worrying, write my problems down on paper and pitch them!(very powerful) and to exercise more. I have also experienced heart palpitations since this has come along. I went to a cardiologist and everything is fine. I just need to relax, have less worry, put God first and everything will be alright!

I just recently started having panic attacks about 3 months ago. I felt like I was gonna die! It was terrible! I ran outside in my pajama's! I told my neighbors it was the end for me! I was so so scared. I am not on medication but was told to calm down, stop worrying, write my problems down on paper and pitch them!(very powerful) and to exercise more. I have also experienced heart palpitations since this has come along. I went to a cardiologist and everything is fine. I just need to relax, have less worry, put God first and everything will be alright!

Just had a panic attack last night. I really hate those things. I'm going to try taking a Yoga class to see if it helps some. I'm happy to have found this article as yes, it does make me feel like I'm going crazy or worse. Thank You!