How to Control Panic Attacks

Panic attacks and panic disorder are not uncommon. Patients usually complain of episodes of extreme fear and anxiety that begin suddenly and last minutes or as long as an hour. It is important to distinguish between panic attacks and panic disorder. People who suffer from the disorder have recurrent panic attacks. Here we will only limit discussion to single panic attacks.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Determine whether you are having a panic attack. See your doctor as soon as possible when you suffer your first attack. This is to confirm that, for instance, that your shortness of breath is not due to a heart attack, or a blood clot in your lungs.

2. Find a safe haven. When you feel an attack coming, excuse yourself from others and go to quiet place, preferably in open air.

3. Relax. Close your eyes, take few deep breaths and stop thinking about the panic attack. Think about things that make you feel better.

4. Voluntary relaxation of all muscles of your body will help. Use relaxation techniques. Stretch your neck backward, then forwards. Rotate gently clockwise, and then anti-clockwise.

5. Assure yourself that this attack will not take away your life you will instantly feel better.

6. Meditate once a day. Yoga may also help.

7. Good sleep is vital for people who have a history of panic attacks or panic disorder.

8. Consider medications. Most medications used to treat a panic attack are prescription medications and should only be taken in consultation with your doctor. One of the important drugs in this category is Xanax (Alprazolam). However, benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an over-the-counter antihistamine medicine that may help to reduce your anxiety during a panic attack.

9. Explore cognitive behavior therapy. In this treatment, your psychiatrist or psychologist will guide you to better understand your panic attacks and how to deal with them. In the cognitive part, you will learn how to recognize things that trigger your panic attacks. The behavioral part involves learning ways of handling your anxiety, such as breathing and relaxation techniques.

Resources

• Panic attacks

[Seng]

on 8/15/2008 Hi everyone, I am the author of http://panicattackResearch.blogspot.com I have been having panic disorder for 12-years so I know how you all feel. Do not worry, my site isn't a spam site, I don't sell products - I give free tips and how to overcalm it. We can overcalm it together. Your comment is welcome so that we (other users and I) can help you.

[Elizabethknows]

on 5/15/2008 A great article thank you.