Hi, Debra,
I hope you don't mind me sticking my nose in here..but I have kept a diary.
After the time and date, it would help to put down what you were doing when it happened, exactly how you felt..pain, sweats, numbness, tingling, palpatations,dizzy or faint, feeling of chocking,nausea or abdominal distress, hot or cold flashes, feeling of "unreality" not being there, etc, fears of goin g crazy, fears of dying.
These are all-important to a doctor. It is important to keep this log as to frequency. The number of times is significant.
It may be helpful to keep a food diary and whatmeds and vitamins you are on. The doctor will take a family history, and want the logs, and anything else you'd care to write that you think will be helpful in diagnosing your problem
A diagnosis of PANIC DISORDER WILL BE MADE AFTER ALL POSSIBLE MEDICAL CONDITIONS ARE RULED OUT.
It should be noted, that the causes of panic disorder involve a combination of heredity, chemical imbalances in the brain, and personal stress. Also, sudden losses and/or major life changes can trigger the onset of these attacks.
It is very hard for us to diagnose ourselves, as there are so many types of anxiety disorders. It is best to seek medical assistance.
There are many things we can do for ourselves, the list is long. What works for one may not work for all. I know of one thing that helps everyone in the whole world..and that is relaxation. If you want to know more or do not have a method you can ask and we will discuss it.
You must be willing to take a pro-active approach in your treatment. Ask the doctor.."What can I do for myself".
Red
