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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    I still take my medication so why have my panic attacks returned?

    Related Topics
    Depression Mental Health Panic Attacks
    I've been taking medication for my depression for about a year and all was going really good until a couple weeks ago my panic attacks have returned nightmares etc. why is this happening again?? I'm so tired of feeling this way! I just wish it would all go away!
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  • Grant Dempsey

    Counsellor

    With a passion to see people move forward and break free from the barriers holding them back, Grant is a highly experienced counsellor with over … View Profile

    Hi, I'm sorry to hear of your difficulties. I guess I'm asking myself, "what have you been doing to understand and address the cause of your panic attacks? Unfortunately many people see medication as a magic bullet but it doesn't solve the initial problem, it makes them more manageable so you can then address and get on top of the problem. 

    I'd suggest you keep in contact with your GP but also see a Psychologist/Counsellor who specialises in Panic Attacks. It generally takes a bit of time but it is worth getting sorted so you can get on with your life. Good luck.

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  • Dr Clive Jones

    Counselling Psychologist, Counsellor, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Sport Psychologist

    Dr Clive Jones is a registered psychologist specialising in the assessment and treatment of mental health issues and disorders and High Performance Sport psychology. He … View Profile

     As a general rule of thumb, medications that treat panic attacks have addictive qualities. As a consequence the body can build resilience to them thus requiring a larger dose for the same effect.
     
    Medications for panic attacks should not be long term. They should be used to offer some relief while broader psychotherapy takes place to deal more effectively with the primary origins or reasons behind the panic.
     
    Psychotherapy can also help significantly in strategies to abate such attacks. Relaxation and breathing are some fundamental examples of very practical things that can help.
     
    Addressing the secondary loop – or the panic over the panic – is another component of psychotherapeutic treatment that is vital to work through.
     
    These are just a few quick ideas for you to consider. Feel free to email if you need a little more clarity on some things.
     

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