There Is Plenty Of Help For Panic Attacks

All of us have at some time or the other been anxious or panicked. We have had butterflies in the stomach and experienced a faster heartbeat rate, quicker breathing, palpitations, lightheadedness, dizziness, numbness in the toes and fingers, shivering, sweating, and so on. The occurrence of such attacks of panic before a major stressful event is normal and should not be confused with pathological panic or anxiety attacks. While normal panic attacks spur the individual to greater heights of productivity, pathological attacks of panic and anxiety deter an individual from performing normally and being a productive member of society. This difference has to be kept in mind while diagnosing panic or anxiety disorders.

Once the disorder is diagnosed, one should try to stay calm as there is help for panic attacks. Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks include a combination of therapy, medication, exercises, and life style changes. Anxiety disorder medication is mainly anti-depressants such as prozac. These are prescribed for a period of time ranging from six weeks to eight weeks. The doctor might prescribe different medicines until she finds out which is the right combination for the patient concerned. Another thing about these medicines is that they must be withdrawn gradually to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring. The doctor typically reduces the dosage until the medicine is completely stopped or is left at maintenance levels. This decision should be left to the doctor’s discretion.

The patient is advised to follow the doctor’s suggestions completely for a quick and complete cure. However, the doctor too has a responsibility to explain the treatment procedure to the patient and what she hopes to achieve through each step in the process. This ensures better compliance from the patient who is willing to co-operate better.

Apart from medication, doctors prescribe therapy. There is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT for short where the patient is treated using meditation and psychological principles. Apart from regular meditation, the patient is also advised to take up regular exercise and deep breathing exercises. As this is a stress disorder, reducing stress levels in the patient is of paramount importance. For this the patient can take up yoga or Tai Chi. This will help reduce stress levels in the patient.

The patient is also taught effective time management skills, as a lack of these can add to stress levels. Apart from this, the patient is taught how to say no politely but firmly when asked to do tasks that take her away from her life goals. This too frees up the patient’s time for more productive uses.

There are many self help guides available ob the net for free that teach one how to simplify one’s life. These are good life tools that can be employed by anyone to reduce stress levels. Simplifying one’s life so that one can focus on what is important to one is a good tool to reduce stress levels.

Other ways of lessening stress levels include listening to soothing and calming music or spending more time with loved ones – both family and friends. Taking up a hobby or pursuing a dream course is also very de-stressing. If the patient loves animals, they should be encouraged to keep a pet as the antics of a pet can drive away one’s cares.

The key from to reducing the incidence of panic or anxiety attacks to zero is to reduce stress levels in the patient. This is done through the many ways listed above. Additional help in the form of medication and therapy is also provided. These are soon stopped but the stress reduction techniques must be used lifelong to prevent a recurrence of the panic attacks. Even if the attacks recur after a complete cure, all one needs to do is approach the doctor again and undergo the same treatment again.

Many people the world over suffer from this disorder and so you are not alone in your suffering. The large numbers of patients also means that treatment options are available everywhere. Doctor’s and psychiatrists are familiar with this disorder and know how to treat it.

A few words of caution here: Do not tell the patient not to worry, as they would stop worrying if they could. Also do not try to rationalize away the fears of the patient as this will only increase the stress levels and might aggravate the situation.