Conquering Your Panic, Anxiety, and Phobias - Diagnosis and Treatment of Panic, Anxiety and Phobias

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

David: Dr., we are getting quite a few questions on exactly what is your technique for effectively treating anxiety and panic? Could you be somewhat detailed?

Dr. Granoff: That's impossible to do in this forum. My book and video explain this in detail.

David: Here is the link to purchase Dr. Granoff's book: Help, I think I'm Dying. Panic Attacks, Anxiety and Phobias. I also believe Dr. Granoff's book is available at the major bookstores. Is that right Dr. Granoff?

Dr. Granoff: Yes. The video can be purchased on my website.

Smoochie: Is Paxil a good antidepressant for anxiety and panic attacks?

Dr. Granoff: In 30% of cases, Paxil and medications like it make the panic and anxiety worse. In 30 %, it has no effect and in 30%, it seems to help. The antidepressants, like Paxil, usually help when the person has both panic and depression and the depression is the primary illness with panic as the secondary illness. And Paxil often causes weight gain, insomnia and sexual dysfunction.

vick b: Would therapy help at all? And when will the non-addictive drugs for anxiety come out?

Dr. Granoff: The marketing department of the Paxil drug company doesn't want you to know this because they won't sell as many pills. And yes, therapy in combination with medications is the best form of treatment.

David: For the audience: I'd be interested in very short comments on how you effectively dealt with your panic, anxiety, or phobia. Here are some audience responses "on what's worked for you":

wintersky29: changing the way you think, from negative to positive, that's how I deal with it.

Raven1: I have tried exposure therapy for my separation anxiety and it only makes me want to kill myself and more depressed.

cookie4: Paxil made mine worse, switched 5 different times before finding one that works

kristi7: For me, a sufferer for 20 years now, I never had medications other than Ativan for a funeral. I used relaxation techniques and Attacking Anxiety program cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Dr. Granoff: CBT therapy means thinking therapy and understanding your condition and your body's response to it.

Martha: I've read that exercise acts in the same way as uptake inhibitors, is this true?

Dr. Granoff: While exercise can reduce some stress, it is not going to reduce enough to make a difference.

Hemlock: This is very interesting, I had anxiety that was unreal over surgery and I'm on Paxil.

Eileen: Paxil gave me a new lease on life after 24 years of total fear and misery!!

trayc: What about Buspar?

Dr. Granoff: Buspar is not effective for panic attacks.

blusky: I only have problems driving alone but can go places with people without panic.

kristi7: Is there a test to prove the chemical imbalance?

Dr. Granoff: Not for the general public, for research only.

David: A lot of the things we are talking about tonight have been around for awhile. Do you know of anything new coming online?

Dr. Granoff: Nothing that I know of. However, with the deciphering of the genetic code we will one day find the gene or genes that produce panic. Once found, cures will be found to fix the gene.

David: Just to jump back for a second Dr. Granoff, is there a reliable test available to check for brain chemical imbalance. I mean, can I go to my psychiatrist and have this done today?

Dr. Granoff: No. The diagnosis is made by taking a thorough history. This is outlined in my book.

diana1: I have stopped taking Paxil-30mg, cold turkey, and had what was referred to by my therapist as "brain firings". It is a sensation somewhat like hitting your funnybone, but in your head for a split second. Is this normal?

Dr. Granoff: You were experiencing withdrawal from the Paxil. This should stop after 4 or 5 weeks. If it doesn't, it is a return of anxiety symptoms, which can be better treated by using the benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin, etc.)

jeansing: Is there research being done at this time for finding genes for Panic?

Dr. Granoff: Not that I'm aware of. There are a lot of genes to find for a lot of diseases. It will be placed on the list and hopefully found soon.

panickymommy: Why is it that driving is so hard for me? I cannot drive in places where there is nowhere to pull over; for example, in construction areas or down narrow roads. This is ruining my life!

Dr. Granoff: Most phobias occur in situations where escape is difficult or would prove embarrassing. For instance, driving on an expressway, in a tunnel, over a bridge, in the left turn lane, sitting in a dental chair, standing in a checkout line at the grocery store or sitting in church, a restaurant or movie.

David: What would be an effective way to get some relief from that?

Dr. Granoff: Getting appropriate treatment from a qualified psychiatrist.

figa: Can agoraphobia ever be cured? And if I start exposing myself to my fears, like eating, etc., will my anxiety start to drop, or will I have to take medication? I have lost 14 pounds in two weeks and cannot eat or sleep well.

Dr. Granoff: Medications are usually necessary and effective and safe.