Treating Panic Disorders

The anxiety panic disorder is an exceptionally uncomfortable problem to deal with because of the strength of the feelings. Panic disorders are probably far more common than most people suppose.  The APA says that appproximately one in 75 people might be struck by a panic disorder.

The panic attack is what a panic disorder is about - that sudden and overwhelming assault of fear appearing unanticipated and without apparent cause. Usually the symptoms associated with a panic attack are seen as being characteristic of the "Fight or Flight" response to a dangerous situation. Part of the 'craziness' feeling and the extreme fear or terror in a panic attack comes from the fact that there is no danger to deal with.  Some of the symptoms include:

  • fear that you are going crazy or even are about to die
  • an immobilizing sense of terror
  • trembling and shaking
  • sweating
  • racing heart
  • difficulties breathing
  • weird tingling feelings in toes or fingers
  • choking and possibly chest pain
  • nausea or feeling dizzy
Much of this is a result of the physiological actions that underlie the fight or flight response.  However, there is no real danger or the reaction is way way out of proportion to any actual threat.  Panic attacks can even occur during sleep.  A panic attack does pass in a few minutes simply because the body can not sustain a fight or flight response for more than a short time.

A panic attack is not actually dangerous itself.  Despite the sense of craziness and loss of control and the powerful fear, you aren't going nuts, you won't go out of control and it won't kill you. It will pass. A panic disorder however can lead to other complications which can be even more unpleasant or even fatal. Treating panic disorders is necessary to avoid developing additional problems which can range from phobias, medical complications and depression to suicide.    

Treating panic disorders is less complicated than many suppose.  Some of the more negative behaviors that people who suffer panic attacks develop may appear to be phobias but usually are basically avoidance responses which tend to turn into "phobia-like" behavior.  This results from trying to avoid situations which are suspected to cause panic attacks.  It doesn't work, of course, since the objects or situations rarely have anything to do with triggering a panic attack.  But the process can end up with a person unable to leave their home for fear of a panic attack.  Much of the process of successfully dealing with panic disorder and panic attacks has to do with understanding exactly what is happening, really getting the fact  that a panic attack will not harm you into your head, and developing some new alternative behaviors to deal with a panic attack.  One of the defining characteristics of panic disorders is the fear that a panic attack will occur.  Learn not to fear because you understand and have a way to cope with an attack (remember that nearly everyone has or will have a panic attack at some point in their life) and you're well on your way to treating your panic disorder right out of existence.

One of the most important things you need to realize is that this is not a disease despite what we've all been lead to believe.  It has been and will continue to be dealt with more successfully outside the confines of "medical practice" than within the disease orientation most doctors have.  Medications can not 'cure' anxiety or panic disorders.  They simply suppress the symptoms.  For this reason alone, it's smart to avoid prescription medications which can have serious side effects and be habituating or even addictive. If you really feel a need for 'medication' then look into herbal or natural remedies for anxiety.

I'd suggest also that you look into both of the programs listed below.  You can learn to become anxiety and panic attack free without spending huge sums on medication, physicians or extended psychotherapy.  Both of these programs have had successful results for thousands of people. And, of course, they do have some similarities.  The difference largely has to do with the learning format that you like best -- you can improve your quality of life with either, but each person responds better to a somewhat different style. I'd urge you to check each - read the material carefully and pick the one that suits you best.

PanicAway EasyCalm

The Panic Away techniques taught by Joe Barry have a strong history of success behind them. He's been teaching these techniques for over five years and has consistently had good results and satisfied clients. Now, this particular approach is oriented towards panic attacks and short circuiting the process which can lead to recurring attacks. While it appears to also be useful in dealing with anxiety disorders of all types, keep in mind that it is primarily for treating panic disorders.

You'll find a lot of personal stories on the site which give you a good idea of the kinds of experiences people have had with PanicAway. Success depends on applying these techniques - not just reading about them. But they are not complicated or difficult to learn and they can be learned and applied quickly. The more consistently you use them, the better they work.

Also, unlike other ebook-based techniques, Panic Away offers you one-on-one coaching via email - unlimited one-on-one coaching. This isn't some rip-off ebook offered by some unknown. Joe Barry is a real person with a history of helping people. Overall, this email coaching offer is a very strong indicator of just how confident he is that the techniques he teaches really work. And it provides you with a great opportunity to get all your questions answered and to deal with any specific problems you have.

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This video anxiety panic coaching series consists of 10 videos running more than 3 hours, 20 minutes total. You can get a good feel for the series and whether you're likely to enjoy and learn from it by watching the entire first lesson which he makes available on line. (You may want to download it). His style is straightforward and he uses easy to follow and understand language. You won't be getting a lot of jargon to try to figure out. Some of his analogies may be a little oversimplified, but this is designed as a coaching and motivational program so it's probably more important that they are easy to understand and apply. His basic approach to understanding and overcoming anxiety and panic is using the idea of control issues and the sense of being out of control as being at the base of all anxiety and panic. Throughout the series he develops this concept, providing a variety of methods and approaches to prevent and overcome anxiety or panic attacks and regain your sense of control over your life. This series can be especially useful for those who do better with visual/auditory material than books and it does give you feeling of personal contact that can help in reinforcing the learning and new behavior patterns.  By the way, I found that  one of the bonuses he includes is  very helpful for more than just anxiety or panic.

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