Curing Panic Attacks - What Are My Options?

Answer 1

If the panic attacks are associated with other conditions such as generalized anxiety, phobia or depression, then the course of action is to address these underlying issues first.

If the panic attacks are the main problem, then two courses of action are available - Drug treatment and psychological therapies.

Sedative drugs such as the Benzodiazepines (e.g. Diazepam (Valium)) are very effective in the short term, but are highly addictive and can lead to dependence. Further, when these drugs are withdrawn, a resurgence of the panic is likely.

Drug treatments are not as effective as psychological therapies in these conditions, though herbal remedies like Bacopa Monnieri and Valerian have shown resilience and are effective when taken over the long term. They also don't cause dependence as they are of natural origin.

The alternative to drugs is therapy. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) are the most effective kinds for treating panic attacks. The therapies involve an explanation of the psychological and physical symptoms of panic attacks, and may involve the deliberate precipitation of a panic attack during a session.

The aim is to reduce the fear associated with the physical symptoms -- because when the fear of panic attacks is reduced, the attacks themselves will lessen in frequency and severity and, over time, disappear altogether.

Answer 2

I had my first panic attacks shortly before my son was born. That was 10 years ago. I suffered from those horrible attacks for several years. I wish I've had Internet back when I started suffering from them. Instead I ended up paying for expensive visits to the psychiatrist who prescribed medication. Although some medication does offer some relief it is not a long term solution.
Let me tell you you can get rid of panic attacks. You need to know you will not faint, suffer a heart attack or get some other serious condition during a panic attack. It'll pass in spite how terrible you feel. You'll be just fine! Focus on your breathing, relax, count backwards from 200 to 0.

And drink lots of Manzanilla herbal tea. Avoid alcohol, coffee, anything with caffeine. Get enough sleep. Walk, excercise. Eat enough fruit and veggies.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I wish the "power of my mind" worked. It doesn't for me. The only thing I can do is go home. My panic attacks are caused by being in crowds--especially kids and where there's a lot of pushing and shoving and stuff. So if I go in somewhere like that and I'm having "one of my days" I turn around and leave. I've found that when I don't I usually pay for it--BIG TIME. So best to opt out. I'm told that therapy helps,but it has never helped me, nor do meds.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Different things work for different people. Cognitive therapy works, relaxation techniques, anti-anxiety medication, meditation etc. I would suggest working with a psychologist before you resort to medication. Panic attacks run in our family and we all have found different solutions.

Answer 5

Medication, therapy, psyche yourself out of it.
I used to have panic attacks. I tried meds, which made me fat. Then I went off them and just used the power of my mind, now I'm better.

Answer 6

I learned a TON of things that helped me at http://www.PanicBook.com