Whatever you do, I would not take the anti-psychotic drugs or any other type of drugs. That is the problem with too many therapists nowadays, when progress isn't fast enough, or sometimes at the very onset of therapy, drugs come into the picture. Yet, sometimes getting to the root of the problem is no easy task.
You state that you were severely bullied in school and that you were abducted as a young adult. Both these experiences are overwhelming and traumatic. So, I am going to tell you that in no way are you a wacko. There is a basis for your fear and paranoia is merely magnified fear, albeit also paralyzing fear. You would think that once the danger is passed and we grow into adulthood that we would have a handle on his, yet the impression made on our psyche was strong enough that we cannot let go.
That is why I contend that yes, panic and anxiety, together with its ensuing companions depression and paranoia must be treated physically, but we must in no way discount our emotions, because it is our emotions have been severely wounded and in most cases, this is where it all began.
Even when undergoing years of wellbeing and thinking that you finally have a handle on it, with one major change in life a terrible anxiety and panic flare up can very well occur. And I am not even talking about a bad or unpleasant change. It could be the best change in the entire world, yet that old demon can pop up. What I am saying is that it is something that has affected us so deeply that it is ingrained in us. And we are not wacko at all. This is how deeply we have been affected.
Nobody is perfect. Everybody has issues so to speak. This is ours. And when you look at those that we perceive "normal" we see that they have the same needs and wants as we do. Ours are merely highly magnified. When we realize that we are all the same, with the same wants, desires, and needs this puts us on a more equal playing field.
Now, for the physical aspect of panic and anxiety, I would first address my diet and eat only natural foods. Nothing processed and no sugars. A hypoglycemic diet works wonders but make sure that it is strict and that you do not include any "hidden" processed foods.
Trace minerals and Omega 3's are paramount for this condition.
Other base supplements that I also take are:
A multivitamin/multimineral supplement
CoQ10
Acetyl Carnitine
Bromelain
Iodine (for advice on this go the Ask Trapper Forum)
Magnesium and calcium calms the nerves.
A body under sress is more vulnerable to free radicals. Herbs to take are Bilberry,ginkgo biloba, and milk thistle.
Catnip, chamomile, cramp bark, kava kava, hops, linden flower, motherwort, passionflower, and skullcap provide relaxation.
Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, as ragweed allergy may occur.