Panic & Anxiety Attack Treatments

Does this describe you? You sometimes have episodes of intense fear or sense of dying, or maybe you feel like you're "going crazy" perhaps even so severe that you're having a heart attack? Often you're left feeling faint or nauseated, breathing and sweating profusely.

If so, you might be having panic attacks. Here's what Wikipedia has to say:

Panic attacks are very sudden, discrete periods of intense anxiety, mounting physiological arousal, fear, stomach problems and discomfort that are associated with a variety of somatic and cognitive symptoms. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders The onset of these episodes is typically abrupt, and may have no obvious triggers. Although these episodes may appear random, they are a subset of an evolutionary response commonly referred to as fight or flight that occur out of context. This response floods the body with hormones, particularly epinephrine (adrenaline), that aid it in defending against harm.Bourne, E. (2005). The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, 4th Edition: New Harbinger Press. Experiencing a panic attack is said to be one of the most intensely frightening, upsetting and uncomfortable experiences of a person's life.

According to the American Psychological Association the symptoms of a panic attack commonly last approximately thirty minutes. However, panic attacks can be as short as 15 seconds, while sometimes panic attacks may form a cyclic series of episodes, lasting for an extended period, sometimes hours. Often those afflicted will experience significant anticipatory anxiety and limited symptom attacks in between attacks, in situations where attacks have previously occurred.

WebMD has some excellent introductory information as well:

What causes panic attacks and panic disorder?

Experts aren't sure what causes panic attacks and panic disorder. But the body has a natural response when you are stressed or in danger. It speeds up your heart, makes you breathe faster, and gives you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-or-flight response. It gets you ready to either cope with or run away from danger. A panic attack occurs when this response happens when there is no danger.

Panic attacks and panic disorder may be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals or a family history of panic disorder. They sometimes happen with no clear cause.

Panic attacks may also be brought on by:

* A health problem such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), or heart or breathing problems.
* Depression or another mood disorder.
* Alcohol abuse.
* Using too much nicotine or too much caffeine.
* Taking certain medicines, such as those used to treat asthma and heart problems.
* Using illegal drugs such as marijuana or cocaine.
* Living with high levels of stress for a long time.

You have a higher chance of getting panic disorder if you have a parent with depression or bipolar disorder.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

* A feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety.
* Trouble breathing or very fast breathing.
* Chest pain or tightness.
* A heartbeat that races or is not regular.
* Sweating.
* Nausea or an upset stomach.
* Dizziness and shaking.
* Numbness or tingling.

Obviously, sufferers really need help stopping panic attacks. Personally, I've found that THIS SITE is chock full of great information.

Many panic attack sufferers turn to modern medicine for their panic attack treatment: Drugs and psychotherapy. These options can be expensive and only take care of the symptoms. Also, many anti-anxiety drugs have debilitating side effects which require additional drugs to control and have harmful addictive properties which can cause difficult withdrawal situations.

But, what if there was a more long-term, permanent solution that was both cheap and good for you? Time and time again, new research continues to validate exercise as a cornerstone of any wellness program, but now, it appears that it is helpful in providing a useful panic attack treatment as well.

Exercise is a great stress reliever for your body. Regular exercise and/or a physical, vigorous sport or hobby, will get your heart rate up and your endorphins moving. Your body will be able to get rid of toxins faster and you can relax easier when you stick to a regular exercise program. Plus, a good workout session can occupy your mind if you're particularly anxious about something. A typical panic attack treatment plan will incorporate you getting your heart rate up at least three times per week for 30 minutes or more.

There are several ways that can cultivate your cure for anxiety attacks - many of which can be as advantageous as consulting with a physician. Many cases can be remedied and have symptoms meaningfully suppressed without the need of prescription drugs. The following are 3 methods that will help you to finally produce a cure for anxiety attacks.

Do not sidestep from the source of such attacks

Once you pinpoint what may be prompting such feelings of anxiety, it's important that you do not avoid it as doing so will only underpin negative thoughts. If public speaking causes anxiety attacks, then start moderately by asking a friend for help while you give a small speech. As you gain more confidence, you can start to overcome your feelings and realize that what you were worried of isn't so bad, providing a significant key in your anxiety attack cure.

Believe that nothing bad will happen

As you start to move your behavior towards that place or event which may cause anxiety, you will also need to shift your thoughts to be more affirmative. So rather than always picturing the worst case scenario, you might instead imagine something much more palatable. Your cure for anxiety attacks will come the second you accept that nothing bad will happen to you.

Boldly meet your fears

Every individual is different. What might spring feelings of worry for one person may not have the same reaction in another. What's most important is that you learn to retaliate against your fears or whatever it may be that is troubling you. The sooner you learn to vanquish such feelings the better off you will be in the future.

Such episodes can literally crop up at any time or when you least expect it. Putting into action the above methods can help a great deal. While you can easily overcome such attacks by yourself, getting help from a friend or a family member will make the process happen much quicker.

While a panic attack is a mental state, how it results are physical ones. An anxious stomach, rapid heartbeat, headaches, general fear, trembling, excessive sweating, heartburn, nausea, pain or tingling in the limbs are all types of physical manifestations the sufferer must be subjected to. Here are 5 techniques to reduce the visciousness and duration of an anxiety episode as well as a way to stop panic attacks now and forever.  If all five of the ideas are followed, it will be strong preventative measure to future anxiety.

Eating
The frequent ups and downs of blood sugar levels, either from eating sugary foods or waiting too long between meals (you breakfast skippers take note!) can easily cause an episode.  The key to stopping panic attacks with diet is to stick to a basic, healthy plan:  Consume nutritious food, preferably fresh vegetables and fruit. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Use nuts and dried fruit (like a trail mix treat) to snack on between meals.  Avoid overly processed foods or contain caffeine. Drink alcohol moderately.

Use Positive Thoughts
Have control over your thoughts. Challenge anxiousness. Invite situations that may instill anxiety or panic attacks. It may seem unusual, but psychologically it will help you to face and overcome your fears. Being brave during your difficult experiences will help you stop panic attacks even as they are happening.

Find a Hobby
Participating in something fun is a welcomed diversion. Guitar playing, fixing old cars, painting, drawing, singing in a band, gardening and thousands of other hobbies help you kill the time and take your mind out of stressful mental thoughts.

Getting Physical
I've successfully used a regular work out routine to potentally stop panic attacks as it helps to reduce daily stress, which is a major trigger to anxiety attacks. Even "easy" stuff like walking, biking or light calisthenics for 20 minutes will help to disperse stress toxins in the body and mind.

Yoga and Meditation
Yoga doesn't have to be a difficult thing to do - it doesn't require you to attend a class or join a gym.  Do a web search, book or DVD with beginner yogic postures.  Use the time to meditate and calm your mind. If you're really not wanting to do yoga, a simple stretching routine will do wonders.  If you're more spiritual, try prayer instead.  Whatever route you choose, both will help you stop anxiety before it takes you over. I've used yoga's breathing exercises to stop panic attacks immediately.For permanent relief (and not just treating the symptoms as drugs do), try a natural remedy method. As a  former, long-time sufferer, take my success and use these techniques.  You'll be glad you did!