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[Guest lauchie]

hi there.

I have panic disorder, and my doctor has suggested anti-depressants (SSRI's) however i would like to know how these help panic attacks. I understand how they help depression but increasing seretonin and what not, but how do they help with a person who suffers with textbook panic disorder (i.e i have no general anxiety disorder or obsessions) just have fricken panic attacks and they are becoming frustrating and inconvienient in my hectic life!

p.s I am thinking of trying for a baby. For those of you with children, did you have a panic attack while giving birth, was it scary? Do SSRI's interfere with pregnacys?

Thanks for your time guys

[gizmo]

The thing about seeing a regular doctor about panic is they only have the capability of throwing medication at the problem. Seriously consider what susanb said... therapy will do you a great deal of good. And, if medication is needed, access to a psychiatrist through your therapist (they often work together, esp. if you have an HMO) will be especially beneficial as the doses can be fine tuned.

I was undiagnosed and untreated with both of my children, and I had an anxiety attack during the birth of my daughter. It was a unusually traumatic event, what we call a "trigger". I was perfectly fine. No one noticed. I just focused on the delivery and moved through it. To be honest, you are so busy with the process of giving birth you *literally* cannot think of anything but breathing and pushing. I was fine up until the event, and I was fine after the event.

[Guest lauchie]

woops i typed in the code to post as the title.. sorry dudes

Thanks for your responses so far.

I have tried CBT and found that my anxiety keeps creeping back, or actually never actually left. I find distraction my best method, however i am finding i am getting attacks anywhere i feel i cannot leave from, eg gym classes, meetings, seated concerts, waiting my turn for something etc..

I know medication can sometimes seem like an easy way out, but im at the point where i will try anything! But at the same time am not too keen on the idea of committing myself to a med that may not help me with attacks. Im going to go back and see a psych again i think, cos simple things like waiting in a que or visiting friends are making me freak and avoid the situation...