After my father's recent death and finding out that my brother is mentally ill (he allowed my father to go into a diabetic coma) and he made a lot of threats afterward to destroy our parents belongings and ashes, I felt a lot of grief and became stressed. I can't drive much now and I won't drive the freeway at night. Now, when my husband drives me at night, I cry and sometimes even scream. It was horrible when we were driving down the side of the hills at night. It doesn't feel like a panic attack but terror. Like a nightmare or a horror movie. I was prescribed Lorazepam 1 mg to take before we drive to stop the "terror." What is terror?
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!
Q: What is terror as opposed to anxiety? When my husbands drives us on the freeway at night, I cry.
Answers (1)
6/19/08 1:54am
Dear Jenifer,
I am so sorry about the loss of your father, and the way it happened sounds very traumatic.
You can read about the symptoms of a panic attack at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America's website (ADAA) and compare them to what you experience while driving.
There's no offical diagnosis known as "terror." I'm guessing that your doctor used this word to empathize with how scared you are feeling while driving.
I really want to encourage you to seek the help of a therapist. The medication may help you with your symptoms, but as you know, you have a lot of grief over what has happened. You may find a lot more relief from the fear of driving if you address your grief and ongoing stress that you have with your brother.
You can find some referrals for therapists on the ADAA website.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jennifer Fee
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
