Panic attacks

Hi,

I'm looking for a general physician who could help me with what I think are panic attacks.

I don't exactly know why I am currently having them and referring to what I read on internet, it might be psychological or physical (I've been complaining about having dizziness for half a year now so an internal ear disorder might be linked to them). Although the symptoms have improved since I persuaded myself that they were only panic attacks and not a beginning of a stroke, I'd like to have some professional advice on how to completely treat them.

Someone with good listening skills and perfect English would be great.

Thanks for your help!

Hi SunHK

I had my first panic attack around 12 years ago and it was horrifying. However, I sought help straight away. I don't know why it happened as all i was doing was picking out a video in a store! I have never had a full blown one like that since, although suffer panic attacks with the feeling of claustrophobia, which is not good in HK, considering I had to get on a plane to get here, the MTR, harbour tunnels and lifts! I have always suffered from claustrophobia to the point that I didn't want to come to HK. So I went to hypnotherapy and it was the best thing I have ever done. We went right back to when I had my first claustrophobia & panic attack and dealt with it. I certainly don't enjoy going through tunnels and flying, but I deal with it and pace myself and I'm okay now. Just speak to your local GP at first, he/she might refer you to a psychologist or hypnotherapist. I have heard that this therapist is good http://www.hypnosis-hk.com/. Good luck.

Please feel free to give me a call regarding doctors practicing through Matilda International Hospital. We are unable to comment on individual doctors through such forums however there may be information on services that may be useful.


Lynne - 2849 0328

Matilda International Hospital

Matilda Medical Centre

Hong Kong

http://www.matilda.org

Yes i agree they are the most awfull things to have, i to have suffered with them mildy for 5 years then once i moved abroad 7 years ago they got more intense to the point of me taking anti deprssants to control them, then 5 months ago i stopped taking the tablets and BANG they came back worse than ever, they got so bad i couldn't even leave the compound for a month as couldn't even face getting into a taxi or a bus just in case i had one i front of people, so now im back on the tablets as i don't intend getting them ever again.

Panic attack is not uncommon in Hong Kong. You should certainly deal with ASAP to rule out physical problem such as heart problem, thyroid diseases etc.


May be you can try my doctor Dr Fong. He is practicing in Central and he is working with a clinical psychologist. They are very good at dealing with physical as well as psychological problems. His phone No: is 3160-4886 and address 9/F, 60 Connaught Road Central.


Good luck.

"specks" is correct. Panic attack is closely related to phobia and is best treated by hypnotherapy. I have had very satisfying experience with one practicianer in Hong Kong: www.hypnosis-hk.com

Thank you very much for your help. I went to see a GP (at St Paul's hospital as it's the closest from my home) and he oriented me towards a psychiatrist.

I'll see what he will say about the attacks and if I don't find it very helpful I'll think about hypnotherapy.

Also because I'm a bit hypochondriac I think I will go for a cardiovascular check up just to reassure myself. Do you have an idea of how much this kind of check up can cost?

Thanks again for your help!

Hi there,


I have panic attacks and they struck me worse in pregnancy. I had to go on medication and i now see a doctor in Central. The day i started taking his meds, i felt better. Before that, i slept about 3 hours a night, had the attacks every day (mostly at night) and the doc i saw before him gave me meds that didn't help me at all. I went into public hospital the first time i had my first full-blown attack in the middle of the night and they admitted me but would not let me out saying i had to wait for a psychiatrist that never came. I was told i would be strapped to the bed if i had an attack (ultimate nightmare for a claustraphophic). After the first doc, my attacks got worse as i kept getting the attacks even on meds and my first doc kept blaming my pregnancy. With this new doc, he listened and put me on meds that were safe to take in pregnancy. I guess it costs around $1000 for a week's meds and the consult but i trust him implicitly. His English is also very good. Not the hand-holding type but will answer all your questions. He is a professor who gives lectures at hospitals. His name is Dr. Paul Chung and his number is 2526-2626. The address is Rm 1907, Lane Crawford House, 70 Queen's Road Central.


Hope that helps!