 | |||
| |||
|
If you suffer from panic attacks and have decided to attend the doctor, this article will help you prepare for some of the questions you may be asked. You will probably be asked for details of and current problems in your life, including those from work, social life, financial and relationships. Questions will be asked about how and when the panic attacks started and what the course of the panic disorder has been, including changes in severity, relation to events on a day to day basis, and so on. Most doctors follow a standard procedure for carrying out interviews about the source of your panic attacks. It is important for purpose of the original diagnosis to have a full and clear description of your episodes of panic. You will probably be asked to describe the first panic attack, and the most recent. Some of the key information is reflected in the following questions: Where did the panic attack happen? Were you aware of any bodily sensations? What were they? How intense was the fear? What did you think was happening to you? What action did you take? Did the panic attack come on suddenly? How long did it last? Do you have any ideas about what caused it? The doctor will then attempt to find out whether the early and recent episodes are similar, or whether they have changed, and it is also important to gain some idea as to whether the panic episodes being described are typical or unusual. Next, attention is turned to the immediate consequences of the panic attack: What further action did you take? How did you feel at the end of the attack? What happened on the following and subsequent days? What did you think was happening to you? Information is then collected about the longer term consequences of the panic attacks with attention to what avoidance behaviour, if any, has been generated by the episodes of panic. During the interview you may be asked about behaviour that may prevent or dampen your episode of panic, and what factors appear to hasten or intensify the episodes of panic. Given the close and common association between panic attack disorder and depression, the doctor will ask several questions to find out if you are currently suffering from depression, or have done so in the past, focusing on the two main features of clinical depression: one pertaining to feelings of sadness, helplessness, and worthlessness; and a second feature concerning changes in bodily functions such as insomnia, loss of appetite, loss of libido, and loss of energy. If you want to deal effectively with your panic attacks you need to be prepared to help the doctor find out more about your personal circumstances and what in particular brings on the panic attacks. Download a Free Expert Report on Panic Attacks here Panic attacks Bobby is a psychologist and author. | |||
|
| |||
|
| |||
|
|
