how effective has cognitive behaviour therapy been for social anxiety and panic attacks?

Question

I can't really remember a time when I haven't been anxious, however the last few years since I've left school it has become so much worse. I'm just about to finish my first term at university (after having deferred uni for a year due to me suffering from depression and then panic attacks) and although I'm doing really well on my course and have made some great friends since being here, I still feel as though my anxiety is really pulling me down and driving a wedge from where I want to be in life. My main anxiety is always to do with crowds or new places,  I'm supposed to be going on a trip next week to a trade fair, but my tutor who is aware of my anxiety (its really too bad to not let them know)  has informed me that it will be crowded and that he understands if i give it a miss. But the problem is I dont want my problems to keep preventing me from doing things most people wouldnt think twice about. Ive lived with it for too long, and i really want to change. Ive been prescribed 30mg a day of propranolol for just over a year now and although it has made an enormous difference (there were times when I'd refuse to leave the house/call in sick to work/cry constantly/ignore friends and family) i still find it hard to tackle other stuff like going on tubes/ crowded buses, anything really to do with lots of people. In these situations when i do get anxious it begins with a hot flush, loss of breath, almost instant headache and all i can think about is how i want to run from the situation, and if i dont it has on occasion turned into a full on panic attack. I want to continue the use of the propranolol, at least for now, but i'm interested in whether people have found therapy for this kind of anxiety effective, Apologies for rabbiting on, and thankyou in advance.

ok · Accepted Answer

It helps some people 
I think this method is superior in every way,
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? · Answer

Dude, drugs are not the first answer for any mental health issue. Ask about massage, acupuncture, talk therapy and even eeg biofeedback (neurofeedback). You really do need to talk to a guidance counsellor or doctor first. If they recommend meds first ask your parents to take you to another doctor for a second opinion. Then, ask to see a psychologist or a psychiatrist before you let them put you on meds. Try to work your way through it and only accept meds if an EEG reading on you head indicates that is your best choice and only option. As a person who was shy and insecure as a teen, who grew into the life of the party kind of person, I would also recommend you fall somewhere in between. The life of the party guys like I was, usually get last pick of the ladies... Good luck.

week2804 · Answer

In most cases, CBT works really well for most individuals, but therapy can take time. It's not a quick-fix solution. I personally have been to therapy for various reasons (primarily dealing with anxiety) and have found that it helps immensely.

The premise of CBT is to teach yourself to think and react differently to various situations you may confront. A simple idea, but it generally requires a lot of time and effort. One of the best aspects is that therapy is generally beneficial long after you take any medications to help with your anxiety.

Also, most universities offer free or reduced rate counseling for students. I obviously wouldn't know about your school in particular, but it's definitely worth looking into.

Anonymous · Answer

It is absolutely amazing, that's all I can say. I had only about 5-8 therapy sessions, and my panic attacks are now gone. Its unbelievable, see a therapist, and you will NOT regret it!

Anonymous · Answer

It works very well if you want it to. See a therapist, they will help you

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how effective has cognitive behaviour therapy been for social anxiety and panic attacks?

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