Suggest Treatment For Recurrent Panic Attacks And Anxiety While Having PTSD

Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016

Question: Okay, so in September of last year, I took a course in CPR etc. then last January, I found my father had passed away on the couch from a heart attack. While I knew at the time it was too late to save him, my only protocol to follow was the CPR course and so I did it.

However, now I panic every time I see someone asleep. For example, I babysit a one year old (they nap) and I have had my mother fall asleep on me while I was driving. I am trying to relax (I do let them sleep, obviously) but I take quite a bit of time assuring myself that they are in fact breathing. Any ideas on how to help me get over this anxiety?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

What you are describing is likely consistent with PTSD. You had a traumatic experience and experience recurrent panic and anxiety in similar situations. I strongly suggest seeking out a therapist for prolonged exposure therapy, an evidence-based and the most effective way to treat PTSD. This will definitely help you symptoms.

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In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY