Cures For Panic Attacks

Finding Cures for Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are a fairly common problem for people in today's society. So common, in fact, that approximately 1 in every 75 people will experience panic attacks at some point in their lives. And for many of these people, these attacks are a daily happening that create problems in areas of their lives like work, school, family and relationships. While around 75 percent of panic attack sufferers are women, men are not immune to this disorder. Luckily, there are various cures for panic attacks that can help reduce the number of attacks as well as their duration and severity. Some people are able to rid themselves of panic attacks and live healthy and functional lives. Let's take a look at some of the cures for panic attacks that are often used:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy involves recognizing certain thoughts and thought patterns that lead to panic attacks and choosing replacements for those thoughts. While cognitive behavioral therapy does involve seeing a therapist on a regular basis, the patient often does daily work on their own as well.

Diet and Exercise: What you eat can have an effect on your anxiety level. By limiting sugar, white flour, heavily processed foods, caffeine and alcohol, you can often reduce your symptoms. Certain foods, like leafy greens, wild salmon, walnuts and lowfat dairy can work to increase levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that encourages feelings of well being. And exercise works to relieve stress, improve health and release more brain chemicals that make you feel at ease.

Relaxation Techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises and visualization are all examples of techniques that can be used to curb panic attacks. Sometimes, something as simple as reading inspirational material or taking a hot bath can do the trick as well.

Antidepressants: Severe cases of panic disorder may require antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft or Lexapro, to name a few. Your doctor will discuss with you the benefits and drawbacks of antidepressant use during your evaluation.

Anti Anxiety Medications: Xanax, Valium and Ativan are examples of anti anxiety medications that may be prescribed to alleviate panic attack symptoms.

Herbal Remedies: Some people turn to herbs like Kava Kava, Valerian, and St. John's Wort for relief. Before taking any kind of herbal remedy, consult with your doctor or certified herbalist.

Before even considering using any of these possible cures for panic attacks, you should see your doctor for a medical diagnosis. If you're diagnosed with panic attacks or panic disorder, your doctor will then discuss with you possible cures that may work for you. Sometimes you will be referred to a counselor or psychiatrist for ongoing therapy. While treatment can be a long road, it is indeed possible to successfully rid yourself of panic attacks. By working together with your doctor or other medical professional, you have a better chance of living a happy, healthy life without suffering from the debilitating effects of panic and anxiety.