Anxiety Disorders (Prevention)

Prevention

Have you just had your first  panic attack? and/or Have you noticed your anxiety levels increasing?

Then you are in a position to stop any possible development of either panic disorder or one of the other anxiety disorders.

In the recent past, most people weren't diagnosed, let alone received appropriate treatment for their anxiety disorder.  Many people will comment that if they had been diagnosed from the outset and had received effective treatment they would not have gone onto develop an anxiety disorder and the secondary conditions associated to them. These include agoraphobia,  depression, and a possible dependence on medication or alcohol. 

And their comments are correct. Without a prompt diagnosis and without effective treatment, people do struggle to recover.

In 1992 we commissioned the first of two studies into the treatment needs of people with panic disorder. The results showed that there was a mean of 32 months from first presentation to a doctor to actual diagnosis. From 1992 until the present time, we have seen this time being reduced down from 32 months to a few months, then weeks and now in the present time....days or hours from first panic attack to diagnosis. (Although we do realise that this is not the case for everyone and that some people are still not being diagnosed promptly nor are they receiving effective treatment.)

As we said above, if you have just begun to experience panic attacks, then there is much you can do to prevent or minimise the impact of an anxiety disorder on your life. 

Unfortunately, the health and mental health systems in Australia are still not taking a pro-active / preventative approach to anxiety disorders. This is despite numerous submissions over the years to both State & Federal Governments by ourselves and other anxiety disorder organizations around Australia. Our health and mental health services are still only providing minimal services at best to people with an anxiety disorders.

In fact the health systems are themselves contributing to the development and perpetuation of the disorders by the lack of services and resources for people with an anxiety disorder. This means resources and assistance in early intervention / prevention strategies  is non existent. 

Although there are no specific resources available, there is still much you can do to help yourself.

Prevention Check List

Your panic attacks could have been triggered by any number of factors. A major life stress, a build up of stress, physical illness, flu or a virus, the birth of a child, relationship problems, marijuana or another illicit drug etc  Learn to see the connection between your initial panic attacks and/or high anxiety and the stress in your life at that time.

Has your doctor explained exactly what is happening to you when you have a panic attack? Do you understand the 'dynamics' of them? If not, then speak with your doctor asap and ask them to explain in detail about panic attacks and/or anxiety, how they happen and how your body reacts to them. 

Are you worried that your doctor may have made a mistake in the diagnosis? Most people with panic disorder do worry about this. If you are worried, then speak with your doctor and tell them you are concerned something may have been overlooked. 

You can seek a second medical opinion if you wish. We advise people to do this if they are struggling to come to terms with their diagnosis.

Once you have reassurance you are experiencing panic attacks, either by your doctor or from a second medical opinion, then you are going to need to believe and accept it. If you don't believe and accept the diagnosis, then your fear that something else may be wrong , can escalate the development of an anxiety disorder. 

Read as much information as you can about panic attacks and anxiety. Become informed. Knowledge and understanding of your experience is extremely important. Knowledge is Power. Power over your panic attack/s and any anxiety that may be developing. 

Make contact with your local anxiety disorder organization. They will be able to provide you with information and referrals to an anxiety disorder specialist if you need one. Some organizations will be able to provide you with support. 

Understand that the sensations and symptoms of your panic attacks and any ongoing anxiety about them, do make you feel as if you are going to die, or have a heart attack, or go insane, or lose control. These fears do not come true. These fears are based on the symptoms that you experience during a panic attack and/or anxiety. 

Understand that the symptoms and sensations of a panic attack and/or anxiety is how you are 'supposed' to feel when you have a panic attack and/or anxiety. 

Speak with your doctor about early intervention methods such as cognitive therapy. If they are unable to assist you, ask for a referral to a cognitive Behavioural therapist. See the interview CBT  with clinical psychologist, Chris Edwards.

If you are prescribed medication on your first or subsequent visit with your doctor assess your situation carefully. Medication is not a 'cure'. You may develop panic attacks again once you have withdrawn from the medication. In the early stages of the development of an anxiety disorder, you are in a position to learn to manage any future panic attacks yourself without getting caught up in a possible medication 'cycle'. 

Become informed about any medication you are considering taking.
 
If your doctor tells you that you need medication to stop any further panic attacks and/or you will be on medication for the rest of your life, seek a second opinion.
 
If you are prescribed tranquillisers ensure that you only take them for 2 - 4 weeks as you can develop an addiction to them. 

There is a time and place for medication and if you feel you need it, then don't get caught up in thinking that you are a failure or that you are 'weak'. You are not. Many of us have needed to take medication at one point. 

Withdraw any medication under medical supervision.

When reading various websites about anxiety disorders or visiting chat rooms or bulletin boards or attending a group, you will see that some people have had their anxiety disorder for a number of years. This does not mean that you will. Many people have not received effective treatment or may have unresolved personal issues that are complicating their long term recovery.