Panic Attack

[corylus]

Out with friend this am for coffee, she has a neurological condition, all of a sudden says will I take her home NOW........ breathing shallow, cold hands, a bit confused, OK on drive home and OK when I rang her later, just as if nothing had happened I'm quite sure that this was a Panic Attack (and I've had these myself many years ago) her main aim as to get home ASAP!
How best to help her?

[rsvp]

Sounds as though you handled it well - she was okay when you checked on her and you didn't hassle her. Just being there and doing what she asked you to without making a fuss is the best thing imo.

[corylus]

Suggested that she should see her GP ASAP, this she has done this pm, waiting for how she got on tomorrow.

[rsvp]

You sound like a good friend - hope all goes well

[corylus]

thanks for your reply, been propping her up for a few years now, this latest 'symptom' has only recently recurred, I just keep calm and quiet and get her home, rang her later this pm sounded as good as usual so I'm quite sure it's just a panic attack and nothing more serious, but she's been to GP this aft just to get checked out.

[Sqad]

By now....her GP will have assessed her, but getting back to you OP...
From what neurological condition is she suffering?
Is she on any medication e.g beta blockers.
Panic attack certainly wouldn't be on my first thoughts with the information available.
I don't see what else you could have done in the circumstances.

[corylus]

She has had Parkinson's for about 5 years, (age now 71) on many drugs for this, often changed, consultant seems to be less than interested in her condition and is rather dismissive of her symptoms. Not at all interested in these latest panic attacks, just prescribed tranquillising drugs.
Hopefully her GP will come up with some solutions

[Sqad]

Ah! that is interesting as i am sure she may also be on drugs for her Parkinson's disease and most of these drugs do indeed have side effects and those, that your friend has exhibited.
In simple terms she may have to live with these side effects to benefit from the relief of her Parkinson,s disease.

[corylus]

Thanks Sqad, just what I thought! Hope the GP took more notice of her at appt. later this afternoon, meanwhile I will continue my support, my middle name is PROP!!!
Good to hear from you.

[Sqad]

LOL..^^

[corylus]

Thanks for all your help, have just read today (yes I am researching this!!) that these panic attacks could be related to a drop in dopamine or other drugs in between doses, ie taken too late, effectiveness delayed hence the panic attack.
Friend OK today, any thoughts on the above?

[Sqad]

corylus...I agree with all that you have said, however, these are not panic attacks, but caused by a drop in BP as a side effect of the drugs, some thing your friend needs to come to terms with.

[corylus]

Thanks for that Sqad, I'll bring that to her notice at an opportune moment!

[corylus]

FAO Sqad re the above

[corylus]

Sorry for messed up previous attempt at reply, but are we now talking about postural hypotension in my friend?