Oct 24, 2021 at 5:20 PM – Chris’s first ever panic attack
Housing instability, direct threats to family, and unrequited rage cause Chris to have his first panic attack. He locked himself in the bathroom unsure of what was happening, called a close friend over to the house, and then sought a virtual visit for medication.
Chris is averse to medication of any sort, but the panic was too strong. He’s prescribed hydroxyzine, an off-label anti-histamine that dampens anxiety but causes severe drowsiness, and he would keep these pills on him for months to deal with subsequent and seemingly random attacks.
1-initialMonday, Oct 25th, 2021 at 9:00 AM – Follow-up virtual psych visit
The panic attack was so strong that an immediate follow-up visit was scheduled. The dosage of hydroxyzine was adjusted. Online psych nurse advises breathing techniques to conquer acute anxiety and rising panic attacks.
2-follow-upThursday, Nov 4th, 2021 at 2:45 PM – Another follow-up psych visit
Chris experiences more panic attacks but begins to learn how to deal with them. He takes 25mg of hydroxyzine during an attack to time how long it takes to work. He discovers it takes 45min, so he lays down during subsequent attacks with a timer after taking medication.
Chris is so averse to medication that he ignores instructions to take hydroxyzine throughout the day because it makes him too sleepy. Instead, he takes it acutely at the outset of an attack and prepares to ride out the 45-minute storm.
More hydroxyzine is prescribed. Chris buys key ring pill bottles to have medication at all times.
3-follow-up-upNov 10th, 2021 to May 10, 2022 – Therapy
Panic attacks and acute anxiety continue, so Chris reaches out to an online therapist for help. At 40, this is his first therapy session.
Therapy lasts six months as anxiety eventually subsides back to non-clinical levels. Therapy is covered by insurance with a $20 copay per weekly session.
Below are appointment reminders from Saguaro Family Counseling for six months.
Saguaro-Therapy-Nov-20-May-10