Overcoming panic disorder is not so difficult

Before starting the treatment for anxiety disorder, we must know what anxiety disorder is, and what are the causes for it. We can then deliberate on the steps to be taken for overcoming panic disorder. Finally we can look into the solutions and the best medication for panic disorder.

Anxiety disorders are a result of leading a life of extreme stress and when one is having too busy a schedule of work. Sometimes, it could also be the inherent nature of people to panic when faced with problems. Generally, there are six major types of anxiety disorder:

•    Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

•    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

•    Panic Disorder

•    Phobia

•    Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

•    Social Anxiety Disorder

The above mentioned disorders are self explanatory and give us an idea about the situations which lead to anxiety disorder. Symptoms of anxiety disorder may differ from person to person. It can be short   breaths, pounding heart, sweating,tremors,headaches, frequent urination or diarrhea. , insomnia , muscle tension and fatigue.

Anxiety disorder treatments are numerous. We can, in the first place, start with self-help. For instance,:

•    Make time for relaxation

•    Try to get emotional help by talking about our worries

•    Train the brain to be calm

•    Seek help, if overloaded with responsibilities

•    Have a positive attitude that all problems can be sorted out

There are several measures for overcoming panic disorder. We must, in the first place not be pessimistic and have a firm belief that there has to be a solution for every problem. We should learn to relax, get enough sleep to keep up the emotional balance, exercise regularly, do meditation or Yoga and also listen to good soothing music, preferably, classical. It would also be a good idea to postpone the worry. We can allot a specific time for worrying and  stick to that time. The time allotted should be much before sleeping time. The rest of the time should be enjoyed. This way, at least the time for worry is limited. It will also make us think calmly about the problem at hand and we can arrive at a solution.

People suffering from anxiety disorder even experience physical pain in various parts of the body. If clinically there is nothing wrong with them, the pain could be psychological or even feigned, to win sympathy. The pain could be in the stomach, head, lower back and other places. Chronic pains which last for more than six months need to be treated. It is difficult to point out the best medication for panic disorder.

Doctors give  anti depressants and other medicines, but they also complement it with the Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT). This helps in combating the negative thinking patterns and irrational beliefs or fears like:'I think something terrible is going to happen', or self defamations like,'I am a loser , a failure and I can never get things right'; or taking the blame for something which is not in our control. CBT focuses on behavior rather than psychological conflicts.

There is something called exposure therapy. In this therapy the patient is made to confront his fears in a safe  environment through numerous exposures (in reality or imaginary) to the feared object or situation. This gives a better sense of control over the situation.

The psychiatrist is also consulted. Through some structured questions he finds out whether the pain is genuine and whether there are certain situations when the pain vanishes. A patient hearing by the psychiatrist is essential. When the mind is treated the physical pain also disappears.

We can also try acupressure, massage behind the neck and practice slow breathing. We must also have healthy
eating habits and ensure that the gap between meals is not too long. Alcohol and nicotine should be avoided.

These may give only temporary relief but in the longer run they do more harm than good. Besides, it is not very good to be dependent on certain drugs.

We may surmise that an intelligent combination of the various therapies plus self-help could help in overcoming panic disorder.