Panic Disorder is a disorder which strikes twice as many woman as men. Panic disorder is repeated panic attacks or feelings of fear and doom which also includes anxiety. The cause of panic disorder is still unknown. However, there is a link between panic disorder and heridatary factors.
Many poeple with panic disorder also suffer from some form of anxiety, anxiety disorder, and some develop social agorophobia. Agorophobia is when the person fears going into social settings for fear of having a panic attack. Many people with panic disorders will avoid situations where they "might" have an attack, such as, grocery stores, parties, restaurants, etc. They feel more comfortable at home or near a hospital.
The good news is that panic disorder can be treated. It does not have to be left untreated. Many medications such as SSRI's have proven to be effective in the long term treatment of panic disorder. Other medications such as xanax, appears to help with the immediate symptoms of an attack and can help give immediate results in those occurrances.
Psychiatric treatment is highly recommend in the diagnoses of panic disorder. Treatment is usually short term to help develop skills for overcoming stress and anxiety as well as coping skills during an attack. Therapy usually lasts three to four months. Maintenance therapy sessions once per month are sometimes recommended to help overcome any stress related obstacles that might help to induce a panic attack.
There are many natural treatments to help stop and cure panic attacks. Some of these natural treatments include a "lifestyle change" for the better. Key factors that have helped to control or manage panic disorder include:
1. DIETARY CHANGES- Panic Attacks can be triggered by certain foods. Some foods to avoid include caffeine, sugar (use honey instead), chocolate, processed foods, and junk foods, and alcohol. Nicotine should be avoided as well.
Some foods to include into your diet: honey (calming affect), increase water intake, and vitamins.
2. EXERCISE- Yoga is a great stress reducing exercise. It benefits your heart and helps reduce stress and anxiety at the same time. Take a walk and get some fresh air daily.
3. GET PLENTY OF SLEEP. Sleep deprivation can aggravate your anxiety and also cause undo stress. Make sure you get plenty of sleep. Some claim that sleeping between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. is your bodies natural healing time.
4. MEDITATION has also been used by panic survivors with postive results. Meditation helps to clear your mind and gives you a calming and relaxing state of well being.
5. Accupunture has also been noted to treat panic disorder with positive results.
