| Wednesday, April 30, 2008 |
| Social Anxiety Disorder |
Anxiety is a typical reaction many people have to stress. It helps one to cope with tense situations, but when it becomes excessive and irrational then it becomes a disorder. A panic attack is a symptom of an anxiety disorder. This type of attack is a very serious health problem in the United States. Around 3 million people will have a panic attack at some time in their lives, with the peak age for the first attack being between the ages of 15 and 19. The symptom of panic is very different than other types of anxiety. In that they are so sudden and usually unexpected. Many times they are not provoked and can be disabling.
A panic attack will normally last for several minutes and is very distressing for the one who is experiencing it. Its symptoms can closely mimic those of a heart attack. Most people who have the first panic attack will continue to have others. If the attacks are repeated with no cause and the person feels anxiety about having another attack, he or she is said to be suffering from panic disorder.
Most symptoms of panic attacks appear suddenly and without any cause to them. Some symptoms may include: heart palpitations, upset stomach, dizziness, difficulty breathing, chills, terror, or the fear of dying or losing control.
Today, most medical doctors want to treat anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, with medication while not looking in to where the symptoms are coming from. There are now many alternative approaches being used by both professionals and consumers to help control panic attacks:
• Herbs. Many herbs work as relaxants and tranquilizers and tend to soothe anxiety. Passion flower, St. John's Wart and valerian are common herbs used.
• Nutritional supplements. They help to support the nervous system and help with the effects of stress on the body. Vitamin B complex, Vitamin B6, Calcium and Magnesium are some suggested.
• Yoga. The exercises and breathing in yoga will help to control stress and anxiety.
• Hypnotherapy. Very effective for those with anxiety or phobias because it brings deep relaxation to the body.
• Food therapy. Whole grain, millet and rice have a calming effect and keep the nervous system healthy. Avoid artificial food coloring, additives and sugar; these all make panic attacks worse.
• Exercise. Very important to manage panic attacks. The adrenaline released during an attack needs to be worked out and you can burn it off by exercising. Those who exercise daily recover from anxious situations more quickly.
• Aromatherapy. Oils are very effective in treating stress and promoting relaxation. Rose, chamomile, lavender, vanilla and orange blossom all have a calming effect. |
| posted by Healthy Life @ 9:36 AM |
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