Please remember, this column is designed to help the consumer seeking behavioral-health information, and not intended to be any form of psychotherapy or a replacement for professional, individualized services. Opinions expressed in the column are those of the columnist and do not represent the position of other SelfhelpMagazine.com staff.

Question

I have been having severe panic attacks. Most occur when I am driving. Suddenly I feel as though I can't breath. I then have a full blown panic attack. I wonder if there is any advice available to help me restore my normal breathing in this situation. Is there medication for this?

Answer

Your question touches on feelings encountered by up to fifteen percent or more of the population. Episodes of panic are truly frightening, as you well know, yet are much more common than most of us know. I wonder, in looking at your question, whether you have seen a physician or mental health provider for help with your panic attacks. Panic episodes are very specifically defined in the DSM-IV, the accepted guideline for the diagnosis of mental disorders. The problem with breathing that you describe would be consistent with the onset of a panic episode. Then the *full blown panic attack* you describe would have many other symptoms of full of fear and discomfort. These could include changes in heart rate, sweating, shaking, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, a feeling of unreality, fear of losing control, of dying, numbness or tingling, and chills or hot flashes.

I ask about your professional support because information about panic attacks and panic disorder is increasingly available, and is useful in guiding a sufferer toward an effective plan for intervention. But information is no substitute for professional assistance in intervention.

Panic and anxiety disorders are among the most treatable mental disorders. Psychological techniques, usually based upon cognitive/behavioral approaches, are effective and usually do not involve long-term treatment. Selecting a psychologist or other mental health provider skilled in these techniques is important. Since other psychological problems are often present when panic disorder is diagnosed, a thorough psychological evaluation is wise as part of the planning for treatment. Common problems include depression, and substance abuse tied to efforts to self medicate for the painful anxiety.

Look in our links for other information about this common problem. Thank you for writing, and please, do find a professional to talk with soon about this painful disorder. As real as the pain is the research-proven treatment now available for you.

02/20/98

Dr. Kenneth Dutro is a licensed psychologist in California. He is a member of the faculty at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He has been faculty member of a medical school, and worked for years as a psychologist in university-affiliated teaching hospitals.