How to Encourage a Family Member with Panic Disorder to Seek Help?

If a family member has panic disorder and is unwilling to seek medical attention, can a family member make an appointment on their behalf?

My mother has had an autoimmune disease for many years.
This year, after reducing her steroid medication, she began experiencing dizziness and discovered occult blood in her stool.
She has been silently worried for a long time, which seems to have triggered panic attacks.
In addition to frequently complaining of dizziness, she also feels weak all over and has had two instances where she felt so unwell that she could only lie in bed, experiencing weakness and cold sweats.
When we asked her about it, she couldn't explain, so we called an ambulance.
However, during the first hospital visit, she just rested, and by the second ambulance call, her symptoms had improved, so she did not go to the hospital.
The immunologist has been alarming her, suggesting that it might be a relapse of her autoimmune disease, which led her to receive an "unnecessary" treatment, but the results were not as expected, and two months later, her symptoms recurred.
Additionally, her body temperature regulation became disrupted, causing her to feel unwell whenever the room temperature was high.
Moreover, her already poor sleep quality deteriorated further, and she now relies on anti-anxiety medication to sleep (though her sleep duration and quality remain poor, and she has been self-medicating).
Currently, her anti-anxiety medication is not prescribed by a psychiatrist (it was prescribed by a pediatrician when she inquired about insomnia), and the doctor has suggested she see a psychosomatic specialist.
However, she is afraid to visit a psychiatrist and is unwilling to confront her mental health issues.
It wasn't until we suggested she see a neurologist to investigate the cause of her headaches that the doctor indicated her symptoms were caused by panic disorder.
Now, my mother insists on only seeing a neurologist for sleep aids and refuses to visit a psychosomatic specialist.
How can we persuade her to seek treatment from a psychosomatic specialist? Is it possible for a family member to make an appointment and describe the issues during the first visit, and then find a way to coax her into attending the next appointment? At least this way, the doctor would understand her situation even if she is unwilling to express her feelings.
She has a strong suspicion of others and is reluctant to share her inner thoughts, and she does not believe she has a mental health issue.
I am concerned that forcing her to go may be ineffective.

Linlin, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/28

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, you can encourage her by saying that nowadays, many people with insomnia seek help from psychosomatic medicine specialists, just like how surgical procedures work: the more surgeries a doctor performs, the more skilled they become, leading to higher success rates and lower mortality rates.
Consulting a doctor who specializes in insomnia will naturally provide more experienced and appropriate treatment.
It's worth mentioning that most patients visiting psychosomatic medicine clinics today are primarily dealing with insomnia, rather than the previously held notion that they are mainly psychiatric patients.
Additionally, having a family member make an appointment on behalf of the patient, while the patient does not attend, raises some concerns.
I have encountered many unfortunate family members in such difficult situations, feeling helpless and unsure of what to do, resorting to such measures.
My approach is to communicate my thoughts and suggestions to the family members present, without charging a fee for the consultation since I haven't seen the patient.
However, without having examined the patient, I may still be unable to prescribe medication.
You might also suggest to her that you have heard about a renowned doctor who is very skilled in treating insomnia, with a full schedule of patients.
This might help her feel more at ease.
Wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2015/09/28

More Info

Encouraging a family member with panic disorder to seek help can be a delicate and challenging process, especially when they are resistant to the idea of seeing a mental health professional. In your case, your mother is experiencing panic symptoms that are exacerbated by her existing autoimmune condition, and it’s understandable that she may feel overwhelmed and fearful about her health. Here are some strategies that may help you encourage her to seek the appropriate treatment:
1. Open Communication: Start by having an open and non-judgmental conversation with your mother. Express your concerns about her health and well-being without making her feel pressured. Use "I" statements, such as "I feel worried when I see you struggling with these symptoms," to convey your feelings without sounding accusatory.

2. Normalize Mental Health Treatment: Help her understand that seeking help for mental health issues is just as important as seeking help for physical health issues. You can share examples of how common it is for people to experience anxiety and panic disorders, and how effective treatment can be. Emphasize that mental health professionals are trained to help individuals like her.

3. Educate About Panic Disorder: Provide her with information about panic disorder and its symptoms. Sometimes, understanding that what she is experiencing is a recognized condition can help reduce her fear. You can suggest reading materials or reputable websites that explain panic disorder and its treatment options.

4. Suggest a Gradual Approach: Since your mother is hesitant to see a mental health professional, propose a gradual approach. For instance, she could start by visiting a general practitioner or a neurologist, as she has already done, and discuss her symptoms. Once she feels comfortable, you can gently suggest that they refer her to a mental health specialist.

5. Family Support: Offer to accompany her to appointments, whether it’s with a general practitioner or a mental health professional. Having a supportive family member by her side can make the experience less intimidating. You can also suggest that she allows you to speak to the doctor first, explaining her symptoms and concerns, which might ease her anxiety about discussing her feelings.

6. Address Her Fears: Understand and acknowledge her fears about seeing a mental health professional. She may worry about being labeled or feel ashamed. Reassure her that seeking help is a sign of strength and that many people benefit from therapy and medication.

7. Explore Alternative Therapies: If she is resistant to traditional mental health treatment, you might suggest exploring alternative therapies such as mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, which can help manage anxiety and panic symptoms. These approaches can sometimes serve as a bridge to more formal treatment.

8. Set Realistic Expectations: Let her know that it’s okay to take small steps. If she agrees to see a doctor, remind her that it doesn’t mean she has to commit to anything right away. The first visit can simply be an opportunity to gather information and discuss her symptoms.

9. Be Patient and Supportive: Change takes time, especially when it comes to mental health. Be patient with her and continue to offer your support. Celebrate small victories, such as agreeing to see a doctor or discussing her feelings.

10. Seek Support for Yourself: Caring for someone with a mental health issue can be draining. Consider seeking support for yourself, whether through friends, family, or support groups. This can help you manage your own stress and provide better support for your mother.

In conclusion, encouraging your mother to seek help for her panic disorder requires a compassionate and understanding approach. By fostering open communication, normalizing mental health treatment, and providing support, you can help her feel more comfortable with the idea of seeking professional help. Remember, it’s important to respect her pace and be there for her as she navigates this challenging time.

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