Tag: anxiety treatment

Condition Treatment Initiation

4 October, 2010 (23:21) | Anxiety | By: Health news

Feelings of being anxious or afraid are definitely normal, but only to a certain extent. If you believe you may be undergoing emotional heights that are too much to handle, you may be suffering from anxiety and panic disorders. There are many variations of this condition. There are phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic surges. People normally experience these only on rare occasions. But frequency and consistent occurrences are signs that you need to know more about stopping panic attacks and anxiety and their corresponding treatment procedures and methods.

It is always best to consult the experts for a proper diagnosis and medication advice. But since this condition tends to go unnoticed at some cases and worsens over time, people most likely ignore the symptoms and take them for granted. After all, the signs and symptoms do seem inclined to normal fear and distress triggered by everyday circumstances. The best way to pinpoint your exact health status is to know more.

Signs and Symptoms

Refer to this list of panic signs and symptoms to determine your current state of health:

• Very fast or “racing” heartbeat, palpitations

• Faintness, dizziness, nausea, weakness

• Numbness of the limbs or extremities (hands, feet, fingers)

• Sudden surges of terror or anticipation of doom

• Difficulty in breathing, hyperventilation

• Hot flashes or chills

• Sudden feelings of powerlessness and insistent feeling of a need to escape

• Trembling and shaking

• Distortions in visual perception or surreal sensations (like being in a trance or a dream)

All these symptoms show signs of panic attacks. These usually last for less than ten minutes, but the possibility of a longer effect is always present. The consequences of panic attacks vary in terms of extent. Some people only have rare and occasional attacks, while others live with extreme manifestations on a daily basis. In the end, they all have a common denominator: the condition brings about negative changes in lifestyle and general health, including social relations. This is why stopping panic attacks as early as they are detected serves as the best remedy. Remember that there are differences between anxiety disorders and panic disorders. Panic attacks are more sudden and short-lived. Because of the unexpectedness of these attacks, it is best to know common methods of aid you can try at once. These first aid and initial treatment tips can always alleviate the situation:

• Learn about the condition – cases vary from person to person, so determining the details of your case through research can lead you to discovering the exact identity of your condition, the right therapy and exact medication.

• Try out relaxation techniques – meditation, yoga, slow jogging, pilates, aromatherapy: these are just some of the techniques that will stimulate your mind and body while preventing stress triggers.

• Avoid the stimulants – indulgence in coffee (caffeine) and smoking can trigger panic attacks especially if you are susceptible.

Permanently stopping panic attacks can only be achieved through initial gathering of proper knowledge and treatment application techniques you can start on your own.

Child Anxiety Treatment

9 June, 2010 (03:54) | Anxiety | By: Health news

Every parent wants their child to grow up happy and healthy. However, there is a pressing problem which has been the subject of hot debate in recent years. It’s childhood anxiety disorder.

Many people don’t believe that children can have anxiety problems. This is because the symptoms can sometimes be difficult to spot, or they may be misdiagnosed and mistaken for something else.

Children can demonstrate their anxiety in a number of ways, and most commonly they’ll act out or misbehave. The child doesn’t understand what they are feeling, and so they act out in the only way they know how. They do this to get the attention of their parents. It’s their way of asking for help.

There are several types of childhood anxiety disorder, but the most common are:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • This type of childhood anxiety disorder is marked by excessive worrying, usually over trivial or unimportant things. Children between the ages of 6-11 are often afflicted the most and GAD in children is commonly brought on by events like the first day of school or other important extracurricular activities. Some of the symptoms of GAD in children are:

  • Poor concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Sleeplessness
  • Destructive behavior
  • Panic attacks can occur frequently with this type of disorder and phobias of animals, people, and heights as well as fear of the dark are also common.

  • Separation Anxiety Disorder
  • This is usually triggered because a child has gotten too attached to its parents in the first 12 months to 4 years of life. It’s normal for symptoms of SAD to appear up until 4 years old, but then they should subside. If they continue beyond this point, it could be an indicator of separation anxiety disorder. Some symptoms are:

  • Refuses to go anywhere without a parent, especially school
  • Physically “clings” or hangs onto parents
  • Becomes homesick
  • Asks to sleep with parents every night
  • Has nightmares or dreams of being separated from parents
  • When symptoms are noticed, it’s extremely important that the child be treated immediately. If this is ignored, it may impede the child’s development and the child may not become a well adjusted adult.

    Some of the most common treatments for child anxiety disorder are:

  • Drugs – Drugs such as anti-depressants and beta blockers have been successful in child anxiety treatment.
  • Psychologists or Psychiatrists – Child psychologists and psychiatrists are trained professionals and have had great success in treating child anxiety disorder. Medical professionals can help you to notice symptoms and alert you to unhealthy behaviors.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy – This is a psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on problems concerning dysfunctional emotions, behaviors and cognitions. It works by modifying the negative emotions. In some cases, treatment is applied through the gradual exposure of the feared stimulus, reducing the anxiety it causes the child.
  • There are many treatments for child anxiety disorders, and one of the newest and most successful treatments focuses on parents treating their children at home through interaction and understanding, avoiding drugs and therapy.

    Dealing With Panic Attacks

    29 March, 2010 (13:18) | Anxiety | By: Health news

    Dealing with panic attacks is very challenging because of the intense nature of the experience. Those who have had a panicked episode knows the physical effects of a panic attack on the body is overwhelming. The intensity of the symptoms makes the emotional panicked response increase.

    Below are some of the most efficient ways of dealing with panic and anxiety attacks:

    Diet. I want you to understand that what you are eating at present will have an impact on the level of anxiety you may experience tomorrow. Mainly, the more balanced your diet the easier it is for your mind/body relationship to feel strong and safe. There are foods that are good at building inner calm and other food items that you have to keep away from.

    Accept panic when it happens. If you are having a panic attack,label it as such and remind yourself that it is self-limiting. I mean, it will pass shortly on its own if you don’t add second fear,don’t fight it or don’t try to make it get away. Try to bring on a panic attack or try to make your symptoms worse. This is the paradox:You can’t do either by willing it. In fact, trying to do so is a move toward acceptance and will help the feeling go by. Try to make your symptoms worse. If your heart is beating fast,make it beat faster. If your legs are weak and shaky, make them feel weaker and shakier. If your hands are sweating,make them sweat more. Tell yourself that if I’m going to have a panic attack then let’s go ahead and have it right. It is an adrenalin surge. It will pass.

    Distraction. Remember that generalized anxiety is experienced by many people with panic and anxiety disorders. Learning how to use distraction helps you to retrain your focus and keep your attention on what is going on around you.

    Anxious thinking. Everyone who has been successful at ending panic and anxiety in their lives have learned to re-train themselves to think in a positive constructive manner rather than entertain negative spirals of anxious thought.

    Exercise. The next tip is exercise which is sometimes ignored when talking about too much anxiety and panic attacks. Besides the obvious health and relaxation benefits it gives you a sample of what it’s like to put your body into an exerted state just as if you were having a panic attack. Through this way you can learn to become relaxed with the heightened state of exertion without being afraid that your body will not be able to handle it.

    Anxiety General Treatment

    28 March, 2010 (08:04) | Anxiety | By: Health news

    For anxiety, generalized treatment can vary from individual to individual. While each case is different and the exact methods for treatment may vary, some things remain true across the board. Included among them are the numbers, which can be staggering. More than 19 million adults and several million children suffer from some form of anxiety. Fortunately for people like this, there are new forms of treatment being developed every day.

    Though the clinical definition of anxiety is overwhelming feelings of dread or discomfort over a lengthy period of time, the condition is not purely psychological. There is a physiological cause for these feelings, namely the blockage or disruption of neurotransmitters in the brain. Successful treatment of anxiety can only be accomplished when this underlying cause is fully addressed.

    In most cases of anxiety generalized treatment will include a comprehensive approach which focuses on both surface symptoms and their cause. In many cases, the initial response is to prescribe medications such as Xanax or Ativan to treat surface symptoms. Unfortunately, this does nothing to address their underlying cause.

    In order to correct the imbalance of neurological transmitters, it is necessary to treat the brain itself. Neurological imbalance can be triggered by a number of factors including changes in hormone levels, lack of certain nutrients or extreme stress. Complete treatment can only be achieved by taking these areas into consideration. This can be done with a combination of dietary and lifestyle changes and the use of natural remedies.

    Diet has a considerable effect on overall health. It is imperative that you get a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits and protein, in order to maintain good health. Avoiding natural stimulants such as caffeine can also help to alleviate anxiety symptoms. Most anxiety generalized treatment will involve ensuring that you get proper nutrition and a good amount of exercise and fresh air. Getting enough sleep at night is also extremely critical since lack of sleep can cause a myriad of health problems.

    While proper diet can go a long way toward improving health, there are other measures you can take to help ease symptoms. Among these is the use of natural remedies. Made from a blend of herbs and other plant based ingredients, including St. John’s Wort and Passion Flower, these products can help to soothe the nerves and regulate hormone levels to ease anxiety and can also address the imbalance of neurotransmitters to provide long lasting results. This is one of the most effective of anxiety generalized treatment plans because the natural way can help the brain to heal.

    Along with diet and the use of natural remedies, anxiety generalized treatment can also include the use of cognitive behavior therapy and stress reduction techniques to ease relaxation. Through a series of steps, a licensed therapist can help you to regain control of your own behavior and ease your stress levels. Whether you choose traditional medical treatment or natural remedies, you should always include behavioral therapy as part of your overall treatment plan.

    Anxiety can seem debilitating, but it doesn’t have to be that way. You can take control of your own thoughts and feelings and help to ease the physical causes of anxiety with the proper approach to treatment. Don’t let anxiety run your life, talk to your doctor and consider all your options. Find a plan that works for you and you’ll be feeling stronger and more confident before you know it.

    How to Avoid and Overcome Anxiety

    23 December, 2009 (04:21) | Anxiety | By: admin

    All experts in the field of psychology know that the brain functions best when it is in a stress-free state. Non constructive emotions, like fear, worry and anxiety bring about mental and bodily stagnation. If you want to relax the mind and body, then the ability to be able to see the funny side of things is essential. If you find it hard to relax you will also find it hard to deal with intense situations. Having the ability to be in control when the going gets tough increases the probability of you having a successful life. Remember that with a relaxed mind and body you will feel that anything is possible because you will also have a more positive mental attitude as a result.

    The thing is about anxiety is that it can be hard to identify because of its subjective nature. Basically anxiety is a catch-22 situation made up of thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Anxiety starts in the mind with your thoughts. These thoughts bring about physical sensations that affect your behaviour. A person that is always anxious tends to have more distressing thoughts than other people, thus, maintaining the catch-22 situation.

    If you want to avoid and overcome anxiety you have to take a more holistic approach that will reprogram the mind and body. A good way of doing this is by breathing and relaxation. These two simple and valuable methods are an excellent way of bringing the mind and body back into harmony again.

    An anxious person tends to breath too quickly. Breathing too quickly will upsets the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. When this happens unpleasant symptoms of anxiety and panic will start to emerge.

    The best thing to do is to practice breathing 10-12 times per minute this will naturally relax the body. Slowly breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. Take the air right down to the bottom of your lungs, and feel the ribs expand as you do this. Pause between breaths and time yourself. Try to exhale for as long as you inhale. After a while your breathing will adjust and you will not have to think about breathing more slowly.

    This breathing technique is good to help deal with the physical symptoms of anxiety, but what about the mental side of it? How can you bring about a relaxed state of mind? The thing to do is think of a time when you were completely relaxed and focused in something that you were doing. Think about the thoughts, feelings and emotions that you had while engaged in the activity. Make the thought real just as if you are there in the moment. Do this until you can distinctively isolate each individual emotion and thought that you had. The more you practice this technique, the easier it will be in the future to activate positive emotions when you need them.

    The next time you are in a situation that you feel anxious about just breath slowly and bring back to memory the emotions you felt when you were completely focused in what you were doing. Good luck!

    Best Cure For Panic Attacks

    9 November, 2009 (04:53) | Anxiety | By: admin

    A panic attack is one of the worst experiences you can ever have. Panic attacks only last about 10 minutes but feel like an eternity.

    Symptoms of panic attacks include:

    • difficulty breathing
    • pounding heart
    • intense feelings of terror
    • sensation of choking
    • dizziness
    • shaking
    • sweating
    • nausea
    • tingling
    • chills
    • hot flashes
    • fear that you are about to die.

    Not only are the symptoms of panic attacks terrifying, but the fear of having another one can be just as bad.

    If you suffer from panic attacks and panic disorder, you’re not alone. Panic disorder affects about 2.4 million Americans. It is twice as common in women as in men and usually begins during late adolescence and early adulthood.

    Panic disorder is diagnosed by a doctor or mental health professional through a long and strenuous process. If symptoms of panic disorder are present, the doctor will begin an evaluation by performing a complete medical history and physical exam. Although there are no laboratory tests to specifically diagnose panic disorder, the doctor may use various tests to look for physical illness as the cause of the symptoms.

    If no physical illness is found, an individual may be referred to a psychiatrist or psychologist, mental health professionals who are specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Psychiatrists and psychologists use specially designed interview and assessment tools to evaluate a person for panic disorder.

    The doctor bases his or her diagnosis on reported intensity and duration of symptoms, including the frequency of panic attacks, and the doctors observation of the patients attitude and behavior. The doctor then determines if the symptoms and degree of dysfunction suggest panic disorder.

    However, this process can take weeks or even months and is not ideal for many individuals suffering from panic disorder. Fortunately, due to technological advancements, we can get results much faster with the use of the internet. In my opinion, the best cure for panic attacks is a program known as Panic Away.

    The treatment options for panic disorder are psychotherapy, medication, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy is a process in which trained mental health professionals help people by talking through strategies for understanding and dealing with their disorder. However, psychotherapy is expensive and can cost up to $100 per session. Also, seeing results from this form of treatment can take quite some time.

    Medication is another option for treating panic disorder. Medication is certainly not guaranteed to work for everyone and often comes with a long list of possible side effects. Many people prefer treatment to be all natural and do not wish to potentially harm their bodies using medication. Relaxation techniques can also be used during an attack but offer little in terms of long term benefits.

    The best cure for panic attacks is known as cognitive behavioral therapy. In this form of treatment, the individual learns to recognize and change thought patterns and behaviors that lead to feelings of anxiety and panic. It also aims to identify possible triggers for panic attacks. Panic Away offers a cognitive technique born from traditional psychology that anyone can apply to eliminate panic attacks and panic disorder.