Everybody Has Feelings of Anxiety
You are not alone. Everyone from time to time feels anxiety and panic. Those feelings usually result in some sort of action. You feel anxious about an upcoming driver's test, so you study extra hard. You practice and practice that business presentation so that you'll feel less anxious when you actually have to face the group.
But when you feel anxious or panicky with no apparent cause, you might be having a panic or anxiety attack. It might feel like a heart attack, or as if you're suffocating, or like you're losing your mind.
The Most Common Symptoms
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- Heart palpitations or pounding
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- Fear of dying or going crazy
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Anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental and emotional disorders. They are rarely fatal, but can significantly reduce the quality of your life and damage the relationships you have with loved ones.
What Causes an Attack?
Nobody really knows for sure why some people have anxiety attacks and some people don't, or what actually causes or triggers an anxiety or panic attack. There is often no warning. It can come when you are relaxed and happy as well as when you feel under stress. Most attacks last only a few minutes, but in rare instances they can last an hour or more.
In some cases, attacks occur under certain conditions that can be partially predicted or avoided, such as when facing an unpleasant task, going on a first date, or being in a crowded room.
What Can You Do?
There is no actual cure for anxiety disorders. But in most cases you can get better with treatment. New medications and treatment methods have proven to be quite effective.
Before you begin any type of treatment, however, have a thorough medical examination to rule out other medical causes. Your doctor can help you find a therapist to work with.
Medications
A variety of medications have been used to manage anxiety disorders. The success depends on the person and depth of the problem. Prescription medications with generic names such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and MAOIs are used. Ask your doctor for specific information about the effects and side effects of these medications. None of these medications cures anxiety disorders, but behavior change can happen more easily when the symptoms are reduced, which is what these medications do. Medications are generally not used indefinitely, but work best in conjunction with other types of therapy for a specified length of time.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
A qualified and licensed therapist, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist, will spend time helping you modify thought patterns and learning new and productive behaviors.
The cognitive therapy model starts by helping you identify the thought patterns that accompany a panic attack. Then you'll gradually work to change those thought patterns to safer, less stressful levels. Techniques, such as deep breathing and systematic relaxation, help you stay centered and calm when you feel an attack coming on.
An important part of behavior change is to face situations that normally might bring on a panic attack and – with the help of the therapist – learn to avoid the panic reaction. The length of therapy varies, but normally patients and therapists work together once or twice a week for eight to 12 weeks.
And Finally...
Anxiety disorders are common, serious, and can be debilitating. But there's good news: Treatment improves the condition most of the time. See your doctor, work with a therapist, and enjoy life. |
