Treating Anxiety Attacks - Options

By Greg Anderson

Anxiety is a serious medical problem. Panic attacks, which are one of the effects of Anxiety disorder, must be treated or they will often become much worse. It is not uncommon for anxiety attacks to spin out of control until they have taken over a person's life. Getting help to stop panic attacks is essential, so that they are not allowed to worsen.

As with treatments for other conditions, it is important to find the right anxiety treatment for you ? a treatment that is not only effective but one you are comfortable with. The good news is that there are many effective treatments for anxiety available ? you have options. If one approach is not desirable or as effective as hoped, it is very likely that another approach will be.

Feeling good about the treatment that you choose is a very important part of your success, and it will help you to deal with anxiety the best way possible.

These are the most often used methods of treating anxiety:

Medications Prescribed for Anti-Anxiety

There are many drugs available that treat anxiety specifically or in the process of treating related conditions. For instance, many anti-depressants also have a positive impact on anxiety and panic attacks. Drugs specifically for anxiety included Ativan, taken ?as needed? at the onset of a panic attack, and Valium (diazepam), used to reduce general anxiety levels.

Using medication to treat anxiety can be effective, but it is not really a long term solution. These drugs can be very addictive, and should not be taken for extended periods. Additionally, such medications are not able to stop the core causes of anxiety, they just deal with the symptoms.

Anxiety Treatment With Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy

Many patients consider hypnosis an excellent drug free option for the treatment of anxiety. Hypnotherapy fights anxiety by using deep relaxation to allow a person to be open to sharing the causes behind the anxiety. Hypnotic suggestion is then used to make the brain respond to those causes in a different way.

Ironically, anxiety can be an obstacle to the effectiveness of hypnosis ? sufferers find it more difficult than most to relax and ?give themselves up? to the hypnotherapist. Another limitation is that while hypnosis is effective at treating generalized anxiety it is far less effective (and potentially dangerous) at treating anxiety accompanied with acute panic attacks. In these cases, reputable hypnotherapists ted to accept patients only if they are also receiving professional counseling or cognitive therapy.

Self-hypnosis exercises practiced in the safe and familiar environment of home can provide some relief from anxiety but again, does little for acute anxiety expressed as panic attacks.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used in the treatment of anxiety and a number of other conditions. CBT works by seeking out improper thought patterns and retraining them. Since the way that a person views a situation is altered, it is possible to also alter their reaction to it.

Cognitive therapy for anxiety and panic attack sufferers typically involves exercises with timetables to ensure progress but it can be a lengthy process. However, it is an anxiety treatment that safely and effectively addresses the root causes of anxiety and provides a lasting, usually life-long solution. - 30415

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here