Q.In the last few days, I have begun having panic attacks. Anytime I am alone, I begin to worry and have to get out of the house and be with people. At night, I begin wondering if my heart is beating too fast, my pulse is not strong enough, etc. I have had a reaction to over-the-counter medication that I believe brought on the first reaction and has caused a ringing in my ear. Would the ringing in my ear be triggering the panic attacks?

A. Many people find that the ringing in the ears, as well as other sensory changes, eg. sensitivity to light, sound, etc. can be a precursor to the panic attack. Many of these symptoms are associated with an overall symptom known as Dissociation. People can tend to have these symptoms and then have the panic attack. There is a link between the two; that is, dissociation and panic attacks and research is currently looking at this link. Some say it is a change of consciousness which is triggering the panic attacks.

So, yes, this is common. Many people then go on to use this symptom to say ...OK I am experiencing this, let's start working on the techniques to let go of the panic attack. It can be used in recovery.

next: Prescribed Medication and Alcohol
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q: I suffer from an anxiety/panic disorder. Of course, this is the diagnosis I have received because there seems to be no other terminology used to describe what I experience. Even though I am quite able to accept that the symptoms I am experiencing are purely physical, I am still treated as though I have a mental illness. My attacks are spontaneous in nature and are characterized by some of the common physical manifestations including rapid heartbeat, trembling, tingling sensations in the left arm, chest pain, etc. Let me emphasize, however, that I do not have any irrational fears or phobias that may subconsciously trigger an attack.

I have read some interesting theories suggesting that prolonged stress may sensitize the central nervous system. Reactions to stimuli become exaggerated. What is your opinion? Do you believe that more research should be done investigating the physical origins of this disease? I know that I am not the only one who is able to discern between real physical sensations and sensations that are a result of a psychosis.

A: Good question! Before we go into a general discussion about the full content of your email there a couple of points we need to clarify first.

1. Panic disorder and the other anxiety disorders are not and have never been considered part of the psychotic illnesses group. Although there is a 'Serious Mental Disorder' category for panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety, this category for anxiety disorders acknowledges the serious disabilities associated to these disorders such as agoraphobia (avoidance behavior) major depression etc. Twenty percent of people with panic disorder, 20% of people with OCD and 10% of people with social anxiety fit the criteria for the 'Serious Mental Disorder' category, because they are so disabled as a result of their disorder. Before we had this category, people were not eligible for treatment via our public mental health system, nor were they classified within the general health system. Now with this category at least people can get specialized treatment.

2. It is now recognized spontaneous panic attacks have nothing to do some sort of 'phobic response' either conscious or unconscious. Twenty years ago this was thought to be the case, but not now.

I am like you, as is everyone else we know who has had panic disorder (over 20,000 people now). We all know what we are experiencing is physical, and so do the mental health professionals. We are really experiencing these symptoms - but it is the way we think of the symptoms which causes most of our ongoing problems (i.e. we are having a heart attack, going to die, have a brain tumor, going insane, the doctor has made a mistake, the test results have been mixed up, what if, etc.) This is the psychological factor and the one which is significant in onset of avoidance behavior.

Panic disorder is the fear of having a spontaneous panic attack. Lose the fear of the attack and you lose the disorder, the ongoing anxiety and the disabilities associated to panic disorder. The fear turns on the flight and fight response which only perpetuates our symptoms. Turn off the fight and flight response and all you are left with is the spontaneous panic attacks. Which of course everyone says they don't want to have ever again. But don't give up now, read on.

We have always put forward the fact that something happens to us first then we panic. The problem is people who haven't experienced the spontaneous attack have no idea there is a separation between the 'attack' and the panic. We have an attack and as far as we are concerned panic is a natural normal response to what is happening to us. My psychiatrist used to say 'you are having panic attacks' and I would say 'yes, stop this thing from happening to me and I won't panic.' 'You are anxious' and I would say 'stop this thing from happening to me and I won't be anxious.' He never understood what I meant.

If you are sitting in peak hour traffic and without warning an electric shock rips through your body, your heart rate doubles and you suddenly can't breathe and within a split second you are out of your body looking down at yourself in the car - who wouldn't panic, who wouldn't be anxious? This subtle but most basic point has not ever been acknowledged, as far as we are aware, any where in the literature.

While various drug research puts forward various biological causes and produces drug to fix it, the drugs don't work for all people all of the time. If the reason why we have the spontaneous attacks was found, then the appropriate medication may be developed which would work for everyone all of the time, instead of for just some people, some of the time.

We take the approach that yes something is happening to us physically, something which is not understood, and something which can be incredibly violent as it moves through the body. Many of us feel it as an electric shock, burning heat, intense rushes of energy etc, our heart rate can double, have breathing difficulties, nausea, shaking and trembling, out of body experiences, nothing appears real including ourselves etc. We panic. The fight and flight response is turned on as a result of the panic and our symptoms increase.

We seek medical advice and are told there isn't any physical cause for it happening. i.e. heart problems, brain tumors etc. It is difficult to believe because the experience can be horrific. We fear having another, we fear a mistake has been made and the more we worry the worse we get.

Recovery means we need to lose our fear of what is happening to us. This way we turn off the fight and flight response by turning off the 'what if' and other negative thinking. This is why cognitive behavioral therapy is so important.

The spontaneous attack can be a very violent even when you have lost your fear of them and don't panic. The secret is when you lose your fear of it everything settles down and disappears within 30 -60 seconds. There is no fear, no panic and no anxiety.

For the last few years we have been working with the theory that the ability to dissociate is a major cause of spontaneous panic attacks. This is based upon our own experiences and our own ongoing research.

Yes, yet another theory! But it is one we have found which really fits the experience of our own spontaneous panic attacks and also that of our clients. Working within this framework, we can recover, slowly withdraw from our medication and control the occasional attack by working with our thinking.

As we said, good question.

next: Therapist Stories
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q: I have a question concerning "electrical surges." I have experienced spontaneous panic attacks and one symptom of the attacks is an electrical surge which moves through my left arm and through my chest. I am able to accept this as a symptom of my attacks, but sometimes I feel this sensation without experiencing an attack. The electrical tingling will continue for hours sometimes. Also, with increased stimulation (exercise, strong emotion, etc.) the sensation intensifies. I have had numerous tests done (blood tests, EKG's, etc.) and my doctor has found no physical problems. Can you give me any information concerning these sensations?

A: We have been looking at this and allied symptoms for a long time. The closest we have come is to refer people to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner for massage and/or acupuncture. But we do emphasise make sure it is someone who has either trained in China or has been practising TCM for quite a number of years. If we look across cultures TCM understands these symptoms in a way our Western Medicine doesn't. (but you still have to work with your thinking as well!)

It is interesting to note, people who have the electrical sensations also have a left hand sided weakness which does ultimately disappear over time. Something never mentioned in the literature.

next: Ephedrine, Ma Huong, Exercise
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q. In the last few days, I have begun having panic attacks. Anytime I am alone, I begin to worry and have to get out of the house and be with people. At night, I begin wondering if my heart is beating too fast, my pulse is not strong enough, etc. I have had a reaction to over-the-counter medication that I believe brought on the first reaction and has caused a ringing in my ear. Would the ringing in my ear be triggering the panic attacks?

A. Many people find that the ringing in the ears, as well as other sensory changes, eg. sensitivity to light, sound, etc. can be a precursor to the panic attack. Many of these symptoms are associated with an overall symptom known as Dissociation. People can tend to have these symptoms and then have the panic attack. There is a link between the two; that is, dissociation and panic attacks and research is currently looking at this link. Some say it is a change of consciousness which is triggering the panic attacks.

So, yes, this is common. Many people then go on to use this symptom to say ...OK I am experiencing this, let's start working on the techniques to let go of the panic attack. It can be used in recovery.

next: Sensitivity to Prescribed Medication
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q: I had Panic Disorder and I never told anyone not even my wife. It made everything very difficult and our marriage suffered to the point we were separated. Although I didn't want to separate and I did miss my wife, my panic and anxiety eased up and almost disappeared. I finally told my wife about the Disorder and after some long heart to hearts we decided to give our marriage another chance. Now the panic and anxiety have returned almost back to what it was before. Thankfully my wife is very supportive, but I don't understand why it has come back.

A: It is not uncommon for people not to tell spouses of their Disorder. The problem with this is that it puts people under so much pressure to 'be normal' and the more pressure we are under the worse we get, so the pressure to be 'normal' increases and around and around we go. During the separation you were able to just be yourself without having to put on a 'front' all the time. The pressure was off and the anxiety/panic settled down. In many cases the anxiety and panic don't just disappear forever. There is a very strong possibility it would have returned even if you and your wife did not come back together. It is of course important that you do receive appropriate treatment so that you can learn to work effectively with the anxiety and panic. I think it is also important to be aware of you are relating to your wife and the other people around you. Are you still trying to be 'normal'. Are you still putting yourself under pressure by trying to be 'normal'. And/or are you trying to be who you think your wife wants you to be, instead of simply being yourself. When we try to be who we think others want us to be, our anxiety and panic can know no bounds! When we accept ourselves as we are and we can be ourselves our anxiety and panic diminish.

next: Self Issues
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q:I just want to recover. That is all I think about. I am obsessed with it and no matter how hard I try I just can't seem to get there. Everyone is expecting be to be better and I do try everyday to do everything I have to, but it is all just so hard and I am still so scared of having a panic attack. How long does all this take?

A: Recovery takes time and as I also say patience patience patience.

Don't worry about your 'obsessional' need to recover. This is HEALTHY. The need and drive to recover has to be absolute, it has to be the most important priority of your life. The need to recover has to be strong enough to push past all your fears including the fear of people not liking you.

The length of time for recovery varies with individual people. It is dependent upon how strong the need is to recover, how disciplined people are in practising the management techniques and for some people the resolution of past issues. As a rule of thumb, it can take 12 - 18 months from beginning to end, but during that time people can have days, then months of freedom, before a set back. The more set backs you have the better, because it gives you more to practice with and ultimately ensures a life of freedom.

A note of caution, when the need to recover becomes very strong, people have to learn to pace themselves and not push to extreme. Pushing yourself to extreme limits all the time will cause a set back and the feeling that 'I will never make it.' Use this time to get to know yourself fully and learn to be kind and compassionate towards yourself. This way you can learn to push past your limits with more care and understanding of yourself and the Disorder. Be kind to yourself and above all be patient.

One day at a time.

next: Is There a Link between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Panic Disorder?
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q. I've had an anxiety disorder for 16 years . I tried many things, but nothing worked until I was put on prozac and then I got my life back. I have felt great until a month ago when I had surgery and had my gallbladder out and I really went downhill. It was so disappointing to feel some of those awful symptoms again. I know that fear played a big part in it; fear that I would get like I was 16 years ago, and this is making it worse. I just want to know what happened to me after that surgery that it all come back? The doctor upped my Prozac and I'm starting to feel better now, but its a slow return and very disappointing. Can you you offer me any help please?

A. We are also not sure what your anxiety disorder is. As such, we have based our answer on Panic Disorder. There could be a number of reasons as to why the prozac stopped working:

1. Definitely the fear that it would 'all' come back is a trigger for some people
2. It is not unusual for some people to actually develop panic disorder following an operation and the physical and mental stress of the operation may have triggered it again.
3. Some people report what is called, 'poop out' from the SSRIs, including Prozac. For some reason, in some people, they simply stop working.

Medication is not an effective long-term treatment for Panic Disorder. While there is no doubt it can be very necessary in the short-term, the most effective therapy in the long-term is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Have you used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

next: Ringing in Ears Triggering Panic Attacks
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Q.I was first diagnosed with panic disorder about three years ago and I have since developed agoraphobia. I would be grateful for a referral to a CBT therapist as close to my location as possible. I have been on Xanax for almost three years (2.0 mg daily). Over the past two months, I have managed to reduce the dose to 1.125 mg. I didn't suffer any significant withdrawal symptoms until I reduced to 1.25 mg. At the moment, I am still going through hell. I am waking in the early hours of the morning with over-breathing, rapid heartbeat, nausea and uncontrollable shaking. Needless to say I am presently averaging about fours hours sleep per day.

The panic attacks and level of anxiety have increased markedly. I have discussed replacement (and subsequent taper) with my doctor but I am fearful of introducing another benzo into my system. Further, there are conflicting views on equivalent doses. My doctor says that 1.0 mg Xanax=5.0 mg , however, a detox center doctor says 0.5 - 1.0 mg Xanax=5.0 mg Valium.

I have previously tried to switch to Effexor, Prothiaden and Aurorix but I couldn't tolerate the changeover. I believe (having done some research) that it was wrong to abruptly stop the Xanax and immediately introduce a new medication. I understand that I should have replaced, say the morning dose of Xanax with the new medication, for a week or so, then the afternoon dose and then the evening dose. Anyway, I shall battle on with hope that CBT works for me. You may be interested to hear that I underwent four P.S.H. (Private Subconscious-mind Healing) sessions last year and in my opinion, they were a complete waste of time and money.

A. (Referral to CBT therapist given). In regards to your medication: The guidelines for the prescribing of any of the tranquillizers is for 2 - 4 weeks only. The tranquillizers, including Xanax can be addictive and some people may become addicted within four weeks. Xanax is one of the short-acting tranquillizers. With the short-acting ones, if people do become addicted, they may have withdrawal symptoms every 4-to-6 hours. Withdrawal includes anxiety and panic.

The federal government recommends people on the short-acting tranquillizers transfer over to the equivalent dose of Valium and once stabilized slowly withdraw the Valium. Valium in a longer-acting drug and prevents the 4-6 hour withdrawal. You MUST NOT simply stop taking these drugs. This can be very dangerous. You need to speak with your doctor and slowly withdraw the drug under medical supervision. This also applies to any transfer and withdrawal from Valium.

We realise you are feeling uncomfortable about changing to Valium, but it can really assist you in the Xanax withdrawals. (The referral) has the conversion rates and he has assisted many of our clients in this.

> I have previously tried to switch to Effexor, Prothiaden and Aurorix but I couldn't tolerate the changeover. I believe (having done some research) that it was wrong to abruptly stop the Xanax and immediately introduce a new medication. <

This was definitely wrong and could have caused major withdrawals. These drugs are anti depressants and work differently to the benzos. Effexor is an SSRI, Prothiaden is a trycyclic and Aurorix is a MAOI. Not only can they take up to six weeks to work, they will not help you in benzo withdrawal.

>I understand that I should have replaced say the morning dose of Xanax with the new medication for a week or so, then the afternoon dose and then the evening dose.<

No. You still would have had benzo withdrawal and you may have had side effects from the anti depressants. This is why everyone does need to see someone who really understands it all.

>Anyway I shall battle on with hope that CBT works for me. <

If you work at it, it will!! This is how we and so many of our clients have recovered.

>You may be interested to hear that I underwent four P.S.H. (Private Subconscious-mind Healing) sessions last year and in my opinion, they were a complete waste of time and money.<

Couldn't agree with you more!! When we saw the advertisement for this we just shuddered!

next: Finding the Right Treatment
~ all articles on insights into anxiety
~ anxiety-panic library articles
~ all anxiety disorders articles

Essay on parenting a special needs child and demands made on a parent of a child with ADHD.

Indian Chief

I don't know what the official statistics are, but if my experiences and my email are any indication, I would have to say that most families dealing with an ADHD child often find themselves in a constant state of chaos. Chaos eventually turns into crisis and in most circumstances, not all.... mothers find themselves raising their children alone. The stress and daily tension become unbearable and the family unit breaks apart leaving one parent to do it all. This is hard for any parent in this situation, let alone the parent who is alone and has a special needs child.

The role of Mother... (or father) comes to us instinctively . We know that we need to care for our children. Support them, nurture them and provide for them the basics of life. It's our job to teach them morals, know right from wrong, etc. I think that motherhood/fatherhood is pretty much what you've been preparing your whole life for. Your parents were role models, hopefully good ones, and many of the shows you watched on television provided role models for those of us who watched them.

The role of Warrior does not always come instinctively. Sometimes it has to be learned or you have to be pushed into becoming an advocate for your child by the ignorance and/or wrong-doings of others. Being a warrior is not an easy job. To be an effective advocate for your ADHD child, you have to know your rights, your child's rights and the responsibilities of the person/persons/organization you are dealing with. You will find closed doors and people who will not listen to you. You are often labeled a troublemaker. According to a worker at Child Protective Services, schools often view parents who aggressively advocate for their children as "combative". You might even end up with a "reputation". But, in the big scheme of things, are we out to make friends and be liked by all or is our goal to simply insure that our child receives all that he is entitled so that he/she can grow into a successful adult, to support themselves and possibly a family and seek the American dream?

Which brings me to Chief. I don't believe there are any choices in becoming a chief. It is something that is thrust upon you. As the single parent of a special needs child, and considering the dynamics having such a family brings into the home, my life is spent bouncing between, mother, warrior and Indian chief. Chief of your domain, your responsibility to take care of everyone and everything. Literally.

Having Chiefdom thrust upon you means sacrifices...sacrifices you make because you love your children and they come first in your life. These sacrifices can be small things like giving up a trip to the hottest movie of the year because your child is having a particularly hard day, but sometimes, they are more life altering sacrifices such as giving up an important relationship because of friction between your significant other and your adhd child, or quitting a good job because the boss frowns upon all the calls you get from the school or the time off you need to take because of your child. Sometimes, the biggest sacrifice of all is putting your life on hold until you get your child to a point in his/her life where they can do things on their own and be successful and thrive.

Being Chief isn't easy and not a job I would wish on anyone. It would be nice if we all had a co-chief or a vice-chief, but the facts are many of us don't.

To those of us who have special needs children, there is much more to Motherhood/Fatherhood than just raising a child. To those of us with special needs children, the roles we take on are many and the battles we fight can be significant ones. To those of us with special needs children, remember that if you believe in a higher authority, it is said that He never gives us more than we can handle. For those of us who don't believe, perhaps it's just fate or maybe even our destiny to parent these difficult, yet loving and rewarding children. Whatever the case, know that you are not alone and that support is just a modem away :)

next: A Mother Knows What She Has
~ adhd library articles
~ all add/adhd articles

Mother, Warrior... Indian Chief

Who am I and Why am I Here?

My name is Brandi Valentine and I am the mother of two ADHD children. One girl, a freshman in high school and one boy, starting 6th grade.

I came to the internet in 1995, furious with a school district for mistreating my ADHD son and ignoring his right to a free and appropriate education. At the time, I was a roller coaster of emotions, angry, frustrated, depressed and ridden with guilt, but I was determined to make sure that what happened to my son, wouldn't happen to anyone else's child if I could help it.

Throughout this site, I am going to share with you my experiences and what I've learned along the way. I'm going to share informative articles written by professionals in the field of ADHD; but most of all, I want to let every mother know, that they are not alone and that there is hope. Things do get better, our children with ADHD can and do succeed, and life does get easier.

I believe that we are the best source of information available. We live and experience ADHD and the challenges it creates for our children, ourselves, and our families everyday. By networking, the support and information we share will enable us to make the best decisions we can for our children.

I believe a lot can be learned from online networking. Online networking and support can be very beneficial. No longer are you tied down to support and help every Thursday from 7 to 9. Online support is available 24 hours a day and the best news is you don't have to go any further than your computer to find it. This is very convenient for those that work late hours, or live in small communities where there is no support or support is a two-hour drive a way. Of course, if you have small children and hiring a babysitter so that you can attend meetings is out of the question, then online support is perfect! Jump online when the kids go to bed!

Contents:

• ADHD News: Homepage
• ADHD and Depression
• ADHD Child and School Cooperation
• ADHD Special Education Legal Rights
• Advocating for Your ADHD Child
• Being a Mother of an ADHD Child
• Coaching Your ADHD Child
• Diagnosing ADHD in Adults
• Feeling Guilty About Your ADHD Child
• Getting Social Security for ADHD Children
• Classroom Coaching: Bringing Skills On-Line
• Learning Disabilities Association of Washington Life Skill Program
• Parenting a Special Needs Child with ADD
• A Mother Knows What She Has
• ADHD Medication Side Effects
• Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
• My Two Cents on Individualized Education Plans
• My 2 Cents on Alternative Treatments for ADHD
• My 2 Cents on Medication
• ADHD Glossary
• Be an Advocate for Your ADHD Child
• Diagnosing Bipolar vs. ADHD
• Exercise, Proper Discipline Helps ADHD Children
• Medication Guidelines for Children with ADHD
• My Two Cents on Your ADHD Child and the School District

next: ADHD and Depression
~ adhd library articles
~ all add/adhd articles