Question: Dear Dr. Jones, I treated with you about 15 years ago for agoraphobia–and was helped very much by your keen insight into this condition. Would you have time for a quick question? I’ve had a problem traveling long distances from home for most of my adult life. I’ve had […]
Panic Disorder
12 posts
Recovery from agoraphobia requires a good understanding of what it is, proper breathing test.askdrjones.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/Anxiety_Handout.pdf and complete desensitization. SSRI’s/SNRI’s are not required unless you are unable to progress with CBT, breathing correctly, and benzodiazepines – including as needed extra doses. Some patients do better on Clonazepam, or Xanax XR, or Niravam. If […]
It partly depends on what you’re taking the medications for. Uncomplicated panic disorder without agoraphobia has the highest rate of complete remission. Severe obsessive compulsive disorder, agoraphobia, or social anxiety disorder may require some long term medication to maintain remission. Generalized anxiety without serious depression may respond fully to CBT. […]
That’s what I wish I would have said. So I’m feeling guilty for just sitting there. "I’m coming out!" I heard in a deep, but anxious voice. I turned to see a large man built like a linebacker pushing his way against the flow of people walking down the aisle […]
Kim Bassinger was interviewed during an HBO special on Panic Disorder. She described her recovery from Panic Disorder in an unusual but very successful way. During her recovery period she developed a technique to change her negative thinking and attitudes. She decided to talk to her fear. She said, “how […]
In the U.S., 1.6% of adults (3 million) will have Panic Disorder in their lifetime. First degree relatives of those with PD are 17x more likely to have PD than the general population 30% of people with PD abuse alcohol Twice as many woman as men have PD Most panic […]
Cognitive behavioral therapy for Panic Disorder focuses on fears of bodily symptoms, catastrophic thinking, and avoidance behavior. This is done by identifying specific ways in which the patient can reduce anxiety. Cognitive restructuring – Identifying and countering fear of bodily sensations and focusing thoughts away from the negative consequences of […]
Practice paced breathing Proper breathing is very important for control of anxiety and panic. It is also the best relaxation technique for control of nervousness and panic. Underbreathing (slow/shallow) increases carbon dioxide retention. This triggers the suffocation response in panic prone people, leading to compensatory overbreathing. Conversely, overbreathing (hyperventilation) decreases […]
Panic patients listen too closely to body sensations, feel anxious, have “what if” thoughts, and scan their environment for possible danger. Panic patients are always in a state of hypervigilance-most especially they listen to their bodies and they “hear everything”. They can almost feel ions crossing membranes! They release adrenaline, […]
Xanax (Alprazolam) Niravam (Alprazolam orally disintegrating tablets) Klonopin Wafers (Clonazepam) Ativan (Lorazepam) A common question asked is “how much should I take?” “Take enough, not too much.” This is like a firefighter calling headquarters and saying, “I have a grass fire starting here, how much water should I put on […]