Post-Traumatic Stress?!
Question:
Post-Traumatic Stress?
About a year ago I went to a movie theater and got dizzy after rapid flashing on the screen. I guess I had a panic attack because I thought I was going to have a seizure or die and had to leave. Now every time I watch TV in the dark and the light from it starts flashing I get a really uneasy feeling and have to look away. Even flashing lights on police cruisers and strobe lights trigger panic attacks. I got tested for epilepsy and it turns out I don't have it. I know it doesn't seem like that "traumatic" of an experience, but could it be? Thanks.
Answers:
It sounds like what is called a situationally bound panic attack and some CBT and systematic desensitization could be really helpful. It does share much in common with phobias (which is why I suggest systematic desensitization) and this alone may suffice to stop the symptoms and you probably won't need meds unless you are experiencing attacks in other situations which are more general and unpredictable and it is occurring frequently. Hopefully you have already learned deep breathing and progressive relaxation as this will alleviate the symtoms in the situation relatively quickly and would be a prerequisite for systematic desensitization.