Monday, December 15, 2008

Educating Yourself About Anxiety Panic Disorders

Anxiety disorders affect millions of Americans at some point in their lives. Feeling anxiety in stressful situations, such as public speaking, is normal and natural. However, for some people, reactions to stress go beyond what is considered to be normal. Anxiety panic disorders are an extreme form of anxiety affecting at least six million Americans. These illnesses can be debilitating for some people, but they are often treatable.

The main characteristic of an anxiety panic disorder is the panic attack. These attacks can happen in response to specific stress factors, or they can occur spontaneously. The sufferer may experience shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating and nausea, and may feel as if they are about to lose their mind. Often, the person suffering an anxiety/panic attack will end up in the emergency room because they think they are having a heart attack. The medical tests the person undergoes can often make their anxiety worse, as they fear that something is seriously wrong with them. If a person suffers panic attacks frequently, then they may develop some sort of phobia, particularly if the attacks occur in a specific location, such as elevators. Fear of having panic attacks will often lead the sufferer to avoid specific situations or locations. Some people will develop agoraphobia and can become housebound, as they fear leaving their homes. Going to this site Anxiety will provide you with a lot more useable information.

You don't have to learn to live with anxiety panic disorders. They can be treated. Often treatment involves the use of antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs. These drugs often have properties that reduce anxiety symptoms. There are also specific anti-anxiety medications on the market, such as Xanax or Ativan, which can be used when the person is in an anxiety-provoking situation. Physicians often advise patients to avoid the use of caffeine and nicotine, as these substances are stimulants and have been found to increase anxiety symptoms. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive and behavioral therapies, have also been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. Stress reducing exercises, such as tai chi and yoga, as well as vigorous physical exercise, have also been found to be helpful. Herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort, Valerian, and kava-kava may also help reduce anxiety symptoms.

It is very common for people to suffer severe anxiety panic disorders. They can be disabling. Many people who suffer from anxiety disorders organize their lives around their symptoms. However, these illnesses can be treated. Antidepressant drugs, anti-anxiety medications and psychotherapy have all been found effective in treating anxiety. Lifestyle changes and the use of stress-reduction techniques have also been found to be helpful. With proper treatment, people who suffer from panic disorders can lead happy, productive lives.

Living with anxiety as well as depression has the ability to make each day appear like one in everlasting misery. You fear leaving the house and even occasionally the comfort of your own bed. Events that once used to not annoy you are all of a sudden life changing decisions. You seclude yourself from family and friends. It is a vicious circle that can keep even the best of us down. But there is hope as well as there being help if you know where to turn to. It is your life and your determination to get better. The answer is not invariably medicine. You can be responsible for seeking out the appropriate treatment. If you go here you can learn out more: Anxiety Drugs  also learn more at Self Help Anxiety

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