Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
firstly he has probably never had a panic attack and thinks you are exagerating, perhaps to get his sympathy
next many think the panic attacks arent important and so dont want to hear about them or to give you any explanation or reasurance that they wont hurt you
next they often overprescribe too many meds and often the wrong type of meds, a 'shotgun' prescribing style is common, but those meds may react causing you more problems
some are very arrogant and if they eventually cant help you to get better, they think that no one else can
they meds usually needed, valium and perhaps an antidepressant, can usually got from your ordinary doc, they are familiar with panic attacks and agoraphobia now
next many think the panic attacks arent important and so dont want to hear about them or to give you any explanation or reasurance that they wont hurt you
next they often overprescribe too many meds and often the wrong type of meds, a 'shotgun' prescribing style is common, but those meds may react causing you more problems
some are very arrogant and if they eventually cant help you to get better, they think that no one else can
they meds usually needed, valium and perhaps an antidepressant, can usually got from your ordinary doc, they are familiar with panic attacks and agoraphobia now
You wouldn't go to a foot doctor if you are having chest pain.
See a psychiatrist if you need psychiatric medications, they are the best TRAINED to deal with your problem.
It sounds as if you might have has some bad experience with some 'shrinks' in your lifetime, but to paint such a broad swath with your negativity brush is going a bit too far. It is akin to saying that all cardiologists are crap because your friend happened to die on the operating table. Of course it had nothing to do with the pound of bacon he ate everyday, the 75lbs of obesity, cigarettes, and doughnuts and lack of exercise-- it's the cardiologists fault.
ShrinkingViolet is right on the money with her assessment of psychiatrists v. general practioners. I know that the 'shrinks' that I have seen have treated me and my condition quite well, legitimately, and with concern to get it under control. I know that I do much better in life now that I have taken their advice and applied it to my everyday living.
That is my two cents.