The Instant Cure - An Instant Appraisal

Many self-help groups and get-togethers of phobics spend an inordinate amount of time talking of medication, which if they spent "equal time" on actual exposure, could lead to cure.

Many phobics, it seems, would like to take a magic pill that would end all of their suffering. I hear from many people that they "want that medication I heard cures it", or "isn't there a pill I can take to stop the panic" and other comments like this. We want to take a realistic look at "the instant cure".

First, let us be clear that there is no such thing as an "instant cure". All medications prescribed for panic usually take at least three to six weeks to reach optimal dosage. And, after starting a medication trial, you may need to go through many different medications in order to find one that works for you without the many disruptive side effects which many phobics cannot tolerate well. Many medications do in fact help relieve the symptoms of panic. They simply work to decrease your body's perception of the anxiety it experiences so that these symptoms (heart racing, palpitations, sweaty palms, dizziness, etc.) are suppressed. This act of supressing the panic can at times be very beneficial to a phobic person. It can help the person who needs help initially to set up practice or confront an especially difficult situation.

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Unfortunately there is no "magic pill"

that can give you an

"instant cure" from your

anxiety or phobia.

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Medications can be somewhat addicting. This usually means that it takes longer doses over time for the same effect, and that withdrawal is painful. The benzodiazepines, such as Xanax, have the major risk of addictiveness. Medications are psychologically addictive, too. This means you will over time tend to rely on them more and more as a substitute for peace of mind and a balanced life. And, consider the side effects of the specific drug you are taking. Each medication has its own side effects or interacts with several other drugs. This is one reason for keeping a medication chart.

Drugs also may generate fake security about treatment. You can convince yourself that the only reason you're not panicking is the effect of the pills. You then rely on these drugs more and more to keep the panic from returning, and are unwilling to try it without them. When this happens, it is difficult to successfully desensitize yourself completely because you are not sure whether it is the pills, or your own work at desensitizing. You need to be able to give yourself credit when you are doing well in practice.

When you stop the medication, phobic feelings can return again at full force for about 15 to 30% of people. Again, this may be because of your own worries of being able to handle it by yourself, or simply because you never confronted your phobia from a behavioral viewpoint.

So, in considering "cure", you must first subtract those who do not want medication, discontinue because of side effects, do not comply with medical instructions, have allergic reactions, have interactions with other drugs, or stay on medication indefinitely. Less than 50% of desensitized phobics may be left for a full trial of medications.

Medication may provide benefit for some. Symptoms of panic and anxiety can be suppressed for about 30-50% of those who comply with a full medication trial.

The Bottom Line: Medications can help by reducing the symptoms of panic, but to overcome phobias, the majority must also learn behavioral methods.

This article was written by Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D., a Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in anxiety and panic disorders. His latest book, Panic Free, was written based on his experience in treating thousands of phobic men and women over the last 30 years.
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