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Suggest Treatment For Panic Attacks, Anxiety And Depression
Question: My 22 year old daughter has experienced panic attacks, anxiety, and some depression. This has been ongoing for quite a few years. A couple of times she has been prescribed meds, but does not want to be on medication. She has seen a therapist at various times as well. She believes she is able to cope using other techniques. Her last episode(s) has been going on now for more than a week--triggered by the murder of one of her professors. In her mind, she is coping, because she went to work yesterday--where 2 years ago, she would have stayed in bed all week. But she didn't go to class today. We are at a loss on how to help her.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It certainly sounds like your daughter could be depressed. The treatment of depression consists of two modalities: medication and weekly psychotherapy. Results are much better when both are used together. There are over 15 antidepressants that exist, so a reaction of being tired on one (if not actually caused by the depression itself and not the medication) does not mean she will be tired on another. There are very few minor side effects such as nausea when starting, but antidepressants are very well tolerated. If she strongly opposes medication, weekly psychotherapy using a CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) modality for 12-15 weeks is also effective. If she wants to get better, she will need to utilize one or ideally both of these options.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
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
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
It certainly sounds like your daughter could be depressed. The treatment of depression consists of two modalities: medication and weekly psychotherapy. Results are much better when both are used together. There are over 15 antidepressants that exist, so a reaction of being tired on one (if not actually caused by the depression itself and not the medication) does not mean she will be tired on another. There are very few minor side effects such as nausea when starting, but antidepressants are very well tolerated. If she strongly opposes medication, weekly psychotherapy using a CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) modality for 12-15 weeks is also effective. If she wants to get better, she will need to utilize one or ideally both of these options.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
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. Raju A.T
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