Help! I Think I'm Dying! Panic Attacks & Phobias: A Consumer's Guide to Getting Treatment That Works

By Abbot Lee Granoff and MD Granoff, Abbot Lee

Help! I Think I'm Dying! Panic Attacks and Phobias is acclaimed by internationally recognized psychiatrists as an "...outstanding consumer guide. A good informative read ...that will help the public... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0938423045
• ISBN13: 9780938423041
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Mind Matters
• Length: 88 Pages
• Weight: 0.57 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.5" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Misunderstanding

James Croak's review of Jan 10, 03 shows his lack of understanding the complexities of medical diagnosis and treatment. It shows not only how easily a lay person can misinterpret medical information but also how easily one can accept unscientific information from non-medical sources and extole it as fact.First, my experience with my own panic attacks occurred in the early 80's. This was a time before the psychiatric community, the general medical community and the public had much knowledge or experience with the symptoms and treatment of panic attacks. The story of my two panic attacks was added to my book as an attempt to reassure people who have these symptoms of how physically real and frightening they are. They do not feel they could be caused by the brain. Even after intellectually knowing that, emotionally connecting this fact can be difficult.Second, the statement that panic disorder is cured daily by behavioral psychologists shows a lack of understanding the nature of this illness. It is a physical disorder of the brain that has a genetic predisposition. No one is able to fix the genetics yet. The illness usually comes and goes on its own for most people giving the appearance of "cure" for those who don't follow it long term. About 30% of people have one attack or one series of attacks never to have them return regardless of treatment type or lack of it. The claim of "cure" by those who are not MD's, ie: psychologists, social workers, counselors, "therapists," motivators, or sufferers who have found the "right formula," is not based on scientific fact. Tragedy can occur when one goes through the "cure" and has partial remission or another series of attacks. The feelings that accompany that failure may prevent the search for a different, more effective treatment.

Dr. Granoff is a rarity in Medicine---objective

The book is absolutely perfect for those suffering from panic disorder. Granoff makes an excellent, excellent point, one that all primary care physicians and psychiatrists should read again and again until it's seared into their memory: the only patients with panic disorder that need antidepressants are ones who have depression as a PRIMARY symptom, not a secondary symptom. All others with panic disorder need benzodiazepines. Now, first let me say that I only 90% agree with that brilliant statement. For the lay readers out there, you may not see the brilliance---it may look like a total boring common-sense statement. But you don't understand how brainwashed the medical community is about antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Antidepressants like SSRI's and the newer ones like Remeron, Effexor, Serzone, and Wellbutrin are patented, while all benzodiazepines are generic. What does that mean? It means that generics get no positive publicity, only negative, while brand-name patented drugs get billions and billions of dollars worth of sleek, catchy advertisement, including the sales pitch that "antidepressants can help panic disorder". The reality is that antidepressants can help only about 1/3 with panic disorder, dont do much for about 40% of patients, and actually WORSEN panic symptoms in about 1/4 of people. And the 1/3 that get helped almost certainly have major depression as the primary diagnosis, AND the major depression is the primary cause of their panic disorder. Antidepressants are delayed stimulants; they will not give you a panic attack in minutes like too much caffiene can---it may take days for the antidepressant to induce more anxiety. That anxiety may fade later, or for many patients, it will never fade. For people who have only mild depression and prominent anxiety/panic, benzodiazepines are the primary therapy. A small amount of antidepressant may help, since the overstimulation caused by them is dose-dependent. For a more detailed review of these issues, I recommend the book The Failures of American Medicine.

READ THIS BOOK!

This book really is a MUST-HAVE for anyone suffering from panic attacks/anxiety. Dr. Granoff explains what panic attacks are, why they happen, every kind of anxiety disorder, and what must be done to treat them. This book is refreshing: Dr. Granoff doesn't throw medical jargon at the readers - he explains in simple and concise terms everything you need to know. I was relieved to read this book and to talk to Dr. Granoff - I suffered from panic attacks and anxiety for almost a year and never knew what was happening to me. I was fortunate to finally find his book - it explained everything and gave me all the answers I'd been looking for. He helped me understand that I'm not losing my mind! He zeroed in one the exact problem and treated me immediately. I HIGHLY recommend this book! If you suffer from panic & anxiety, you probably think you'll never feel better - Read this book and you will.

A Practical Consumers' Guide to Treatment for Anxiety/Panic

Dr. Granoff's book is helpful in that he not only explains the biology behind the illness (in my case, anxiety disorder), but he also guides the reader in selecting a competent professional to treat the illness. I can imagine that many who suspect they suffer from anxiety or panic disorder are unsure where to go for help. Dr. Granoff addresses these issues in a realistic and thoughtful way. I highly recommend the book.

Anyone suffering panic attacks can benifit from this book.

Dr. Granoff`s book HELP! I THINK I`M DYING! is great. I`ve readmany other books on the subject that were filled with fluff, fat andpsycho babble. Dr. Granoff has a knack for delivering knowledge in a clear and efficient manner.His writing style is easy to read. The total package helped clean up many misconceptions I had about my illness. I liked that he added supplements to his original book to update his information. His information guided me to getting more effective treatment from my doctor. I can now say I`m finally in remission and no longer suffering. I just wish I had read this book sooner. I urge anyone who has panic attacks to read Dr. Granoff`s book so they can be guided through the system armed with information necessary to return to a normal life.