Coping With Panic Attacks: What You Need to Know

By Trevor Mosley

Coping with panic attacks is a process that does not happen overnight. It requires the victim to devise a treatment plan that comprises of behaviour modification, relaxation techniques, medications as well as psychotherapies. When the treatments are combined, the victim can then manage his stress well. There are factors that cause stress levels to fluctuate: work commitments, family responsibilities etc. With ever mounting pressure, one becomes prone to panic attacks. Here are a few tips you can heed when coping with panic attacks.

Medications

Medications available for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) include the class of benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan. These compounds work to relieve tension and restlessness. Benzodiazepines are termed "tranquilizers" and are administered for short term relief in more of a rescue fashion.

For long term treatment, the patient may be given Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) such as Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. In severe cases, patients may be prescribed anti-seizure drugs. It is important that the patient use these forms of drugs occasionally and only when needed because they can impede the body's natural system of coping with panic attacks.

Therapy and Counselling

During therapy sessions, the patient is taught several techniques that will help him to relax. He is also encouraged to make some positive changes in the way he thinks and in his lifestyle. He also learns how to divert these thoughts so that they become positive and rationalised, allowing him to overcome his fears head on.

Psychotherapy helps the patient to understand the causes and the process of the illness so they can better deal with panic attacks. Yoga and meditation help in relaxation and can be good stress reducers Support groups are available to provide group reinforcement from those that have similar issues.

Natural Remedies

Eons ago, our ancestors have discovered many medicinal herbs that assist one in coping with anxiety. These herbal remedies are available in the form of warm tea or tincture. They can help one sleep better as well as relax his mood.

* Passionflower

* Kava

* Valerian

* St. John's Wort

* Passionflower

* Ginkgo biloba

* Skullcap

Dietary supplements can be geared toward a healthy mental state. Bacopin taken daily helps to ease anxiety. Deficiencies of vitamin B-12 have are known to inhibit uptake of essential neurotransmitters to the brain. Chamomile is an all-star player in the world of stress relief; its properties make it a natural tranquilizer and a substance that blocks the release of stress causing chemicals.

Best of the Rest

Other, less utilized methods have gained popularity in recent years. Holistic techniques centre on healing the entire body instead of centring on a specific symptom or body system. Hypnosis is has shown some promise in its ability to shift focus away from fears and towards healing and rational thinking. Exercise works as an antidepressant and a sleep aid, plus it provides an excellent way to vent pent up frustration and anger.

One other effective technique is the stimulation of endorphins into one's brain. Endorphins are the body's mood enhancers that are released during exercise and sex. Acupuncture techniques focus on helping one to stimulate endorphins as well. - 30415

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