Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Anyone who has experienced true anxiety or a panic attack will tell you that it is no joke and it is not simply a bit of nervousness or worry such as the average person deals with.
 
True anxiety is a fear about something that you can't define, a vague feeling that something is wrong or that some unspecified bad thing is about to happen. 

True full-blown panic attacks include at least four symptoms from a clearly defined group.  Some of those symptoms are: shortness of breath or a feeling of smothering, sweating, shaking, trembling, rapid heart beat, nausea, dizziness, numbness, hot or cold flashes, feelings of terror, or other symptoms.

The full list of symptoms for anxiety and panic attacks may be found in the DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.) Approximately 15% of the United States population suffers from anxiety disorders based on these standards.

True panic disorder occurs spontaneously and unexpectedly for no apparent reason and does not involve phobias. Once someone has a panic attack he or she may fear the occurrence of another attack.  Panic attacks can recur frequently, may not occur again for a period of years, or may never occur again.

If you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks you should know that there is help available.  A qualified therapist can make the determination if you truly have an anxiety disorder or panic disorder and assist you in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Relaxation training, life-style and personality change, changing self-talk, increasing self-esteem, desensitization, and, as a last resort, medication can all be utilized to treat anxiety and panic disorders.

All non-medication treatment should be explored and fully implemented before medication for anxiety and panic attacks is considered. It is also important to know that medication can be used for short periods of time to assist a patient in turning a corner and recovering naturally, rather than using medication long term. Anxiety and panic disorders, as many of life's problems, will improve with the implementation of a program of good, well-balanced nutrition and nutritional supplements, daily exercise (within your health limitations,) positive self-talk, a simpler and less demanding life-style (including the work and home environment,) and the loving support of family and friends. All of these natural approaches will be helpful in producing positive long-term changes and should be practiced whether or not medication is used.

Medication should only be considered if natural therapies are unsuccessful, or if the therapist believes that extreme measures are immediately required.  Medication may be the perfect solution that brings relief from unbearable symptoms, or it may merely bring greater confusion or addiction to the very drugs that were supposed to grant freedom.  With these concerns in mind, there are many medications available to treat anxiety and panic attacks that are used successfully by many people.  The pupose of these medications is not to change who the patient is, but rather to assist the patient in controlling the panic or anxiety and thus decrease anxiety and prevent full-blown panic attacks.

It is recommended that you seek professional advice if you are concerned about an anxiety disorder or panic disorder, especially if you believe that the symptoms are severe and medication is required.

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