Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

What is Panic attack? Panic attack is defined as a period of intense, often temporarily debilitating, sense of extreme fear or psychological distress, typically of abrupt onset. Having shed of the mist from the word(s), it worth to note that clinical research on panic attack has been going on for a long period of time, as science seeks for enhanced treatment choices. These clinical studies don’t just focus on the common methods like medication. They also concentrate on the study of specific options and mental counseling techniques on panic attacks.
These research activities have focused and addressed quite a number of clinical studies for panic disorders. An example of what these studies have unraveled is that breathing could be linked to your anxiety levels. Outgoing people who engage in plenty of outdoor activities minus excessive worrying mostly breathe deeper as compared to people who are pessimists and devoted worriers. These studies, therefore, focus on whether improved breathing methods can be an efficient treatment for panic attacks. This is typically involved as part of a course teaching relaxation.
Clinical studies for panic attacks have also researched the physical reactions that are resultant of panic attacks. The positive report here is that there is no long term physical damage from panic attacks. Major physical harm that occur are due to the continuous nerval tension and anxiety level, but not due to attack. This means that by learning to reduce your anxiety and worry, you reap double benefits. You could decrease your stress level hence lower the effect stress has on your body, inclusive of your cardiovascular system.
Another focus of this research is expanding the scope of association between panic attacks and diet. Scientific research reduce of panic disorders are trying to establish whether panic attacks can be avoided or lessened in number by increasing or decreasing certain foods. i.e. it’s general custom now to advise people with panic attacks to do away with caffeine. But new studies are focusing on other things like adding hormones to meat in the course of production and extreme sugar consumption. Among other things being researched includes:
- Some physical circumstances that could possibly cause panic disorders – yeast hypersensitivity, thyroid malfunction or imbalance, Premenstrual Syndrome e.t.c.
- Effectiveness of physical exercise in reducing panic attack occurrences.
- Application of medication.
- Making use of visualization as a way of preventing panic attacks.
The highest levels of development in clinical research of panic attacks are centered on diverse therapies that enable people learn thought process control techniques. It’s common believe that panic attacks are as a result of people’s thought’s being centered on worry causing events that maybe irrational at best. The research is also looking for ways to assist people control the inception or advancement of panic attacks should it occur. An example of these symptom recreation techniques enables a person to do something that could result in comparable reactions to those of panic attacks. An example can be this, if you become giddy during an attack, then that could be recreated by you spinning around till you get dizzy, doing this enables you develop psychological defense against panic attack.
Recent scientific research on panic attacks are making significant progress in finding ways that help people who encounter these attacks.

Millions of Americans every year suffer from depression. Millions more suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that the two disorders coexist more often than not. Between 60 and 70% of all people who suffer from clinical depression also suffer from anxiety.
About half of all people diagnosed with this disorders also suffer from depression. Depression and anxiety overlap so much that increasingly, clinical psychologists and researchers see anxiety and depression as facets of the same illness.
Most people have feelings of sadness at some point in their lives. The loss of a job, death of a loved one, or other disappointments, causes many of the symptoms of depression. Similarly, most people experience the latter at some point in their lives when confronted with stressful situations. These feelings are normal, up to a point.
When feelings of overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, accompanied by fatigue, and changes of appetite and sleep patterns persist for more than a few weeks, the person may be diagnosed with clinical depression. When feelings of anxiety are out of proportion to the stresses being experienced, or a person has panic attacks several times over a period of weeks, they may be suffering from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety and depression are so often intertwined that one must be treated before the other can be dealt with.
Just as there is a lot of overlap between depression and anxiety, there is also a lot of overlap in treatment for the two disorders. Anxiety disorders are often treated with antidepressant medications. Some forms of psychotherapy, especially cognitive and behavioral therapy, have been very successful in treating both conditions.
At times, it may be necessary to treat the depression first. In one form of therapy, called exposure therapy, the patient is exposed to gradually increasing stress factors to help them learn to cope with anxiety. Depression can drain a person of energy and leave them unable to cooperate, so sometimes it must be dealt with first for the anxiety therapy to be effective.
Sometimes, a patient’s depression must be treated before the disorder of the other condition can be dealt with. Other times, it may work the other way around. Anxiety usually presents itself at an earlier age than depression, typically during childhood or adolescence.
In these cases, successful treatment of the latter may prevent depression from developing when the patient reaches adulthood. Depression and anxiety are such frequent fellow travelers that often, successful treatment of one often includes treating the other.

There are several subgroups of Anxiety Disorders, with different causes and treatment.

Anxiety disorders are a serious social and financial concern to American business, since they cost the country more than $42 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

More than $22.84 billion is spent on healthcare services, as those with anxiety disorders seek relief for emotional distress and physical symptoms.

Sufferers are 300 to 500 percent more likely to go to the doctor and 600 percent more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than non-sufferers.

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illness and affect both children and adults.

They develop from an interaction of numerous risk factors, including personality, genetics, brain chemistry, and life stress. Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from them receive treatment.

The main feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive, unrealistic and uncontrollable worry about everyday events.

This constant worry affects daily functioning and brings physical symptoms. GAD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or substance abuse.

It can be misdiagnosed because it lacks some of the dramatic symptoms, such as unprovoked attacks of panic, that are seen with other anxiety disorders. For a diagnosis to be made, uncontrollable worrying occur more days than not for at least 6 months.

The focus of GAD is fluid, shifting unpredictably from job issues, finances, health of both self and family, and smaller issues such as chores, car repairs and being late for appointments.

The intensity, duration and frequency of the worry are disproportionate to the issue and interferes with the sufferer’s daily life. Physical symptoms can include muscle tension, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and/or nausea, cold and clammy palms, the feeling of having a “lump in the throat” and difficulty swallowing.

Sufferers are irritable and complain about feeling on edge, tire easily tired and have trouble sleeping.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears; typical obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently.

The obsessions may cause the individual to perform a rituals or routines to relieve the anxiety, such as excessive handwashing, checking appliances, repeating phrases or hoarding.

People with Panic Disorder suffer severe acute attacks of panic for no apparant reason, which may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack or cause them to feel they are losing their minds.

Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, feeling of choking, fear of dying, fear of losing control, and feelings of unreality.

Panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, in which people are afraid of having a panic attack in a public place, so they become afraid to leave the safety of their controlled home environment.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can follow a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, the unexpected death of a loved one, or natural disaster.

There are three main symptoms associated with PTSD: “reliving” of the traumatic event (such as flashbacks and nightmares); avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places and other reminders related to the trauma) and emotional numbing (detachment from others); and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability or poor concentration.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by severe anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might bring ridicule or embarrassment. This intense anxiety may lead to extreme shyness and avoidance of social situations.

Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include faintness, heart palpitations, blushing and profuse sweating.

Anxiety disorders also include Specific Phobias, an intense and unreasonable fear of specific objects or situations, such as spiders, dogs, or heights.

The disproportionate level of fear is recognized by the sufferer as being irrational. It can lead to the avoidance of common, everyday situations.

Patients often have more than one anxiety disorder, and sometimes other illness as well such as depression or substance abuse.
Treatment of anxiety disorders includes support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management and relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Drugs therapy used to treat anxiety disorders includes benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and beta-blockers.

Often a combination of the two therapies is more useful than one exclusively. Up to 90 percent of patients will show improvement of their symptom from medical treatment.

There are several subgroups of Anxiety Disorders, with different causes and treatment.

Anxiety disorders are a serious social and financial concern to American business, since they cost the country more than $42 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.

More than $22.84 billion is spent on healthcare services, as those with anxiety disorders seek relief for emotional distress and physical symptoms.

Sufferers are 300 to 500 percent more likely to go to the doctor and 600 percent more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than non-sufferers.

Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric illness and affect both children and adults.

They develop from an interaction of numerous risk factors, including personality, genetics, brain chemistry, and life stress. Approximately 19 million adult Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering from them receive treatment.

The main feature of Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive, unrealistic and uncontrollable worry about everyday events.

This constant worry affects daily functioning and brings physical symptoms. GAD can occur with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, or substance abuse.

It can be misdiagnosed because it lacks some of the dramatic symptoms, such as unprovoked attacks of panic, that are seen with other anxiety disorders. For a diagnosis to be made, uncontrollable worrying occur more days than not for at least 6 months.

The focus of GAD is fluid, shifting unpredictably from job issues, finances, health of both self and family, and smaller issues such as chores, car repairs and being late for appointments.

The intensity, duration and frequency of the worry are disproportionate to the issue and interferes with the sufferer’s daily life. Physical symptoms can include muscle tension, sweating, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and/or nausea, cold and clammy palms, the feeling of having a “lump in the throat” and difficulty swallowing.

Sufferers are irritable and complain about feeling on edge, tire easily tired and have trouble sleeping.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by persistent, recurring thoughts (obsessions) that reflect exaggerated anxiety or fears; typical obsessions include worry about being contaminated or fears of behaving improperly or acting violently.

The obsessions may cause the individual to perform a rituals or routines to relieve the anxiety, such as excessive handwashing, checking appliances, repeating phrases or hoarding.

People with Panic Disorder suffer severe acute attacks of panic for no apparant reason, which may mimic the symptoms of a heart attack or cause them to feel they are losing their minds.

Symptoms include heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, trembling, tingling sensations, feeling of choking, fear of dying, fear of losing control, and feelings of unreality.

Panic disorder is often accompanied by agoraphobia, in which people are afraid of having a panic attack in a public place, so they become afraid to leave the safety of their controlled home environment.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder can follow a traumatic event such as a sexual or physical assault, witnessing a death, the unexpected death of a loved one, or natural disaster.

There are three main symptoms associated with PTSD: “reliving” of the traumatic event (such as flashbacks and nightmares); avoidance behaviors (such as avoiding places and other reminders related to the trauma) and emotional numbing (detachment from others); and physiological arousal such difficulty sleeping, irritability or poor concentration.

Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by severe anxiety about being judged by others or behaving in a way that might bring ridicule or embarrassment. This intense anxiety may lead to extreme shyness and avoidance of social situations.

Physical symptoms associated with this disorder include faintness, heart palpitations, blushing and profuse sweating.

Anxiety disorders also include Specific Phobias, an intense and unreasonable fear of specific objects or situations, such as spiders, dogs, or heights.

The disproportionate level of fear is recognized by the sufferer as being irrational. It can lead to the avoidance of common, everyday situations.

Patients often have more than one anxiety disorder, and sometimes other illness as well such as depression or substance abuse.
Treatment of anxiety disorders includes support groups, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, anxiety management and relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy.

Drugs therapy used to treat anxiety disorders includes benzodiazepines, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and beta-blockers.

Often a combination of the two therapies is more useful than one exclusively. Up to 90 percent of patients will show improvement of their symptom from medical treatment.

So, that it is clear what a panic or anxiety attack is, here is a list of the sorts of feelings which are commonly reported during these periods:

–A feeling that the world is closing in on you

–Strangely dizzy sensations

–A heartbeat that is pounding, much, much faster than usual

–Possibly a tingling in your chest

–Sweating

–An inability to concentrate.

Also, very commonly people suffer an acute fear of dying during the panic attack. Don’t worry – you won’t die though, nobody does.

A number of studies are ongoing to research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders and other similar psychological disorders. Medical experts are particularly keen to understand how genetic factors and family background combine with life experiences to put a person at risk for these disorders. New drugs are being tested by these Health Institutions in clinical trials, as well as therapy approaches.

Some say that our children are more likely to suffer from panic attacks than the kids of non-panic-ers. They say that there does seem to be a genetic basis. In this area like so many others it is useful to study genetic twins. Some web articles say that in almost half of the cases of identical twins with panic both twins are affected. But, we should not dismiss the fact that behavioral learning may also play a role. That means, if I put it in a more simple way, that our children are likely to follow in our steps if we show anxiety to the extent of panic.

Now let me at this point just say, that if you do think you are starting an episode of anxiety which might develop into a panic attack, take care to remove yourself from dangerous situations. Do this especially if you might become, for a while, a danger to others. The obvious example here is that if you are driving, then stop and only start again once you are feeling better less stressed. If that means asking for help – so be it. Your friends and family will help you.

I am not a medic but I, like very many people, see self help as the starting point in finding a way to heal anxiety and panic attacks, as long as there is no biological cause (and you should consult your medical advisor in the first instance of course about this).

Instead of looking for exotic cures, try the simple things first. If something drug free and low cost, requiring only your time and participation works, then you will not need to look further.

One of the first and simplest things of all to do is to begin to keep a diary of all the situations that trigger panic attacks. That will mean that later you will know how often, when and where, they happened.

We listed common experiences during an attack earlier so write down each type of feeling that you experienced. What were you doing when is started and thinking, feeling at that time? Again, later you will know what the symptoms were.

Why do this you say? Well, a psychologist would I think say that the act of recording and describing each attack will help to put you in charge of the situation. You will also in later review of the information be able deduce how modifying your environment might help prevent future anxiety attacks.

We recommend that you check out the following self-help mini e-learning series: Panic Away, by Joe Barry. He suffered from Panic and Anxiety himself for years, until he managed to hit on one technique that is an almost fail-safe guarantee to rid you of your panic and anxiety.

2: What Causes Panic Attacks and Choosing Panic Attack Treatment

First let us be sure we know what a panic attack is. In physiological terms panic attacks almost always involve the body producing an excess of adrenaline. It is the effect of this suddenly entering into your system, in combination with several other related emotional factors going on within your psyche.

The underlying cause of panic attacks varies for everyone that suffers, and is still open to debate, but the precise cause quite naturally does seem to vary from person to person. Some panic attacks seem to come on unexpectedly, and this is certainly the case for everyone’s our first attack. Other anxieties may build up over time for some people and certainly many are most likely triggered later, after a traumatic event. The type of traumatic event varies widely but a good example would be a car accident. Others anxiety/panic attacks turn out to be situation-specific and an attack is frequently triggered if a certain pattern of circumstances recurs for the individual.

Medications such as Klonopin and Zoloft have been prescribed for the alleviation of these attacks. A lady said that she has taken these drugs for her anxiety, and at one time she was free from symptoms for more than 10 years, but the problem came back. She took no medication and it went away again.

Those who study panic attacks find that the attacks commonly occur in clusters. That is, plural episodes for several weeks or months followed by several months to years of joyful absence of the problem. Attacks do tend to be more prevalent in some families and we have been told that attacks are often reduced with SRI drugs like Zoloft.

Attacks of this sort can also be distressing problem for children, although mercifully only rarely. I’m not a pediatrician so I can’t tell you the incidence of panic attacks in kids, but according to web information seen, it seems pretty small. Usually, panic attacks do not start until in the late teens, but it can start earlier.

Counseling can be available for confronting the problem and reducing the anxiety that can produce a panic attack. It is also, of course, suitable for a wide range of conditions such as bereavement or marital problems. Counseling is an excellent approach and it is well proven that it helps many people every day live through difficult stages of their life.

Would you like to learn how to treat anxiety attacks without ever taking another pill or sit in the office of a therapist?  Well, it can easily be done.  The best way to permanently end panic attacks for good is through safe and natural methods. In order to gain a proper understanding of how to treat panic attacks, let’s examine two of the most effective techniques used to treat this condition. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy This method involves focusing on the triggers of your attacks by identifying thinking patterns.  The theory behind this technique is that when you face your fears, you will then be able to see them for what they are – not how you have perceived them to be. When you are able to look more reasonably and realistically at your fears, you gain the ability to accept them.   This acceptance greatly diminishes the power of your fears.   Exposure Therapy This method involves being exposed to the mental and physical sensations of panic attack symptoms.  Only you experience them in a safe and controlled setting. This setting gives the sufferer the opportunity to learn coping methods to effectively deal with panic attacks.As you become more proficient in dealing with your symptoms, you’ll gain more and more confidence and fear will gradually dissipate as you learn how to treat anxiety The two methods described above have a few important similarities: 1.    The first similarity is that each method is performed entirely without the use of medications. This completely eliminates the potential for side effects. 2.    The second characteristic both methods have in common is facing the fears head on and ultimately accepting those fears.  It is only after mustering up the courage to face these episodes that it becomes possible for the healing to begin.So, what are the keys on how to treat anxiety without the need for expensive therapies or medications?  It can be divide into 3 distinct stages of development.•    Face the Fears•    Accept the Fears •    Control the Fears

Panic attacks are triggered when the body’s response to that trigger overreacts. In other words, feelings and sensations of overwhelming fear and worry arose without a real danger or threat actually being present.  Although these sensations can be very scary, it is vitally important to understand that they are harmless.This point needs to be understood and fully accepted.  The more you allow yourself to fear these sensations, the more your life will be disrupted.  The fear will lead to worry, and the worry to more fear.  And soon you will have a full-blown panic disorder. But as you learn to believe that these sensations are, in fact, harmless, you’ll be able to gather the courage necessary to face your fears head on and accept them.

Most people have heard of anxiety before, but only a few aware that there are in fact different forms of anxiety that you can suffer from. Social anxiety disorder is one of the most frequently diagnosed anxiety disorder conditions. This is a chronic mental health condition that can cause an irrational fear towards activities or situations in which the sufferer believes that people around them are watching them and judging them.
There are specific signs and symptoms that you will recognize if you suffer from a social anxiety disorder. They will differentiate this from other anxiety disorders. Usually you may have an extreme dread of being in situations where you do not know people, fear of situations in which you may be judged, worry that others will notice you looking anxious, and you stay away from doing thinks out of fear that you may say the wrong thing or otherwise humiliate yourself.
Causes of social anxiety disorder
There is no particular known cause of social anxiety disorder, but somewhat a variety of triggers and factors are involved. Biochemistry is considered as being a main factor here, as researchers are now investigating the idea that natural chemicals in the body may play a major role in creating the disorder. For example, an imbalance in the level of serotonin chemical in the brain could become a factor. This situation explains why most of the medications that are prescribed to treat the disorder work by balancing the level of serotonin in the patient’s brain.
Genes are also a possibility here, as social anxiety disorder shows a tendency to run in families. And although it is obvious that the genes most probably play a major role here, researchers have yet to agree on whether this hereditary component is associated to genetics or whether it is behavior learned by other family members.
Treatment for social anxiety disorder
Treatment is certainly one of the most main aspects when it comes to a health condition such as a social anxiety disorder, especially for the sufferer who most likely feels powerless and as though their life is revolving out of control.
Psychotherapy is the most frequently prescribed treatment method, especially cognitive behavioral therapy. This is in fact the only form of therapy that has shown to be effective in treating social anxiety disorder It is based on the idea that your own thoughts is what really determines how you behave or react and therefore the goal of the therapy is to change the negative thoughts and replace with positive ones. Another alternative is exposure therapy, which involves progressively working up to facing the situations that you dread most and which as a result will help you to recover from your problem with anxiety.
Medications for social anxiety disorder and its side effects
The mildest type of social anxiety disorder medication is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors boost the levels of serotonin in the brain, making the user feel more contented and calmer. Some famous brands that use SSRIs are Prozac and Zoloft. However, SSRIs have side effects as well, such as headaches, dry mouth, nausea, irritability, loss of appetite, sleeping problems, drowsiness, weight gain, shaking hands, and diarrhea. These are all bothersome side effects, but none of them is life threatening.
Benzodiazepines are minor tranquilizers or psychoactive drugs that slow down the body’s nervous system, giving it an all-over calm. These medications are typically only used as a quick acting, short term solutions to symptoms. One major side effect of these drugs is that they can be addictive. Therefore, they should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Other side effects from the medications can include tiredness, fatigue, slurred speech, weakness, memory loss, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Antidepressants are social anxiety disorder medications that influence the neurotransmitters in the brain. The side effects can be various depending on what kind of antidepressants is used. One major side effect of all antidepressants is they can generate suicidal thoughts, especially when the sufferers start to take them or when the dosage is changed. The Food and Drug Administrator (FDA) has put out a warning on all antidepressants.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are others antidepressant social anxiety disorder medications, which is very powerful and can have very dangerous side effects. These drugs can be deadly when combined with certain other drugs and foods. These should be reserved as a last resort unless all other forms of treatment have failed.
Beta-blockers, which are commonly used to control high blood pressure, are occasionally used as social anxiety disorder medications. These can be taken in low doses prior to a time when the patient believes they will experience an attack. The regular side effects are weariness, nightmares, diarrhea, nausea, cold extremities, abnormal vision, heart failure, insomnia, decreased concentration, dizziness, hallucinations, depression, sexual dysfunction, and dyspnea.

Although anxiety is accepted as being a normal and healthy emotion, some people suffer from intense anxiety, which ends up affecting their lives and causing them to keep away from certain situations that they used to be able to deal without difficulty. If you are suffering from anxiety then you should begin on finding an appropriate and effective method of treatment.
The first thing you need to do is determining the type of anxiety disorder you suffer from. There are five main types of anxiety disorders: generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effective treatments for each anxiety disorder are accessible, and new and enhanced treatments are always becoming available.
Non-medication treatments
Once you have found out the type of anxiety that you are suffering from you will be able to find the suitable anxiety disorder treatment. Mild anxiety disorders can often be treated relatively simple with relaxation and breathing techniques. Yoga, for instance, is a great type of exercise that can really help with anxiety and related health conditions. This is definitely something that should be tried prior to more serious forms of anxiety disorder treatment.
If your anxiety is more severe or constant, then therapy or counseling may become the best option. Cognitive behavioral therapy for one has been confirmed to be very effective in the treatment of all types of anxiety disorder. In this therapy you work one on one with an experienced and qualified mental health professional, who will assist you to deal with your fears in a safe and controlled environment. Over time you will be able to find out the root of your anxiety and from there work towards developing a treatment plan that will lead you to your normal life.
You can also select an anxiety disorder treatment plan that involves natural and herbal treatments. Herbal remedies such as valerian root and kava kava have over and over again proven to be effective at treating anxiety disorders and depression. You do need to keep in mind that just because these herbal remedies are natural it does not indicate that you do not still have to be careful. If taken inappropriately, these remedies can actually worsen your anxiety.
Hypnotherapy, biofeedback, and acupuncture are other options for anxiety disorder treatment. In order to determine which one is going to work best for you, you need to talk to your doctor. You may need to try a few different methods before you find the one that works best for you and your particular anxiety condition.
Medications for anxiety disorder
Generally, most treatments for anxiety disorders include at least one prescription medication. If you start taking medication as a treatment for anxiety disorder, it is important to understand that this should not be a long-term solution and you should keep working with a certified mental health professional in order to determine the root cause of your anxiety.
There are several common medications for anxiety disorder and one of them is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Serotonin is known as the brain’s all-natural happy drug. Scientists believe that a lack of serotonin is the source of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks and therefore the purpose of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. Some familiar brands that use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are Prozac and Zoloft.
Benzodiazepines are another choice of medication, which act like minor tranquilizers. They decelerate the body’s nervous system, giving it an all-over calm. These types of medications can be addictive, so they should only be taken as prescribed. Some well-known brand names are Xanax and Valium.
Another medication that is used to treat anxiety disorder is antidepressants, which affect the neurotransmitters in the brain. Effexor is a good example of this type of anxiety disorder medication. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are very strong antidepressant drugs that should only be taken as a last resort after all other treatments have been tried. These drugs can be lethal when combined with certain other drugs and foods. One thing that need to be noted, anyone who takes antidepressants may become more susceptible to suicide, especially when they first begin to take them or when the dosage is changed.
Last important remark
Taking time to find the right treatment for your anxiety disorder is going to be vital to your success and you are going to want to work with a professional, especially if you have little knowledge on anxiety disorders in general. Remember that treatment for anxiety disorder is as different as the individuals who use them, and what works well for one person may not be effective for you. You may find relief from various sources of treatment including medication, therapy, self-help, alternative medicine or another form of treatment, and it may take some time and some trial and error in order to discover what works best for you.
One thing to remember is that support from family and friends are also very important. Many communities have organized support groups for people with different difficulties and you should be able to find a support group dedicated to anxiety disorder. These groups are typically made up of people with similar problems. Most patients find it reassuring to realize that they are not alone. Others in the group will be able to share advices, failures, and successes.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine classifies Alternative therapies into five categories –

1. Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative medical systems are built upon systems of theory and practice. Often, these systems have evolved apart from and earlier than the conventional medical approach used in the United States. Examples of alternative medical systems in Western cultures include homeopathic medicine and naturopathic medicine.  Systems that have developed in non-Western cultures include traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.

2. Mind-Body Interventions

Mind-body medicine uses a variety of techniques designed to augment the mind’s capacity to affect bodily function and symptoms. Some techniques that were considered complementary and alterative medicine (CAM) in the past have become mainstream (for example, patient support groups and cognitive-behavioral therapy). Other mind-body techniques continue to be considered CAM, including meditation, prayer, mental healing, and therapies that use creative outlets such as art, music, or dance.

3. Biologically Based Therapies

Biologically based therapies in CAM use substances found in nature, such as herbs, foods, and vitamins. Some examples include dietary supplements, herbal products, and the use of other so-called natural but as yet scientifically unproven therapies.

4. Manipulative and Body-Based Methods

Manipulative and body-based methods in CAM are based on manipulation and/or movement of one or more parts of the body such as chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation, and massage.

5. Energy Therapies

Energy therapies involve the use of energy fields. They are of two types:

Biofield therapies are intended to affect energy fields that ostensibly surround and penetrate the human body. Certain forms of energy therapy manipulate biofields by applying pressure and/or manipulating the body by placing the hands in, or through, these fields. Examples include Qi gong, Reiki, and Therapeutic Touch.

Bioelectromagnetic-based therapies involve the unconventional use of electromagnetic fields, such as pulsed fields, magnetic fields, or alternating-current or direct-current fields.

Alternative therapies presently account for roughly 11 percent of the total spent out-of-pocket on all health care, according to a survey of 23,000 Americans, from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Most of these expenses — an average of $122 per person in 2007 — go towards “self care,” or treatments such as homeopathic medications and fish-oil capsules that people buy without a health practitioner’s counsel, the study found.

Both Chinese and American Indian medical practices depend on many medicines, including plant medicines. The doctors who use these plants need training in how to identify the plants, prepare the medicines and use the medicines suitably. Chinese and American Indian remedies can also depend on healing touch that is used to ease pain and cure diseases. Both approaches to medicine are very practical, depend on the plants that are at hand and share some of the same elements of philosophy.

Ayurveda, recognized as new age medicine now originated in the Vedic tradition of India. A traditional holistic health care system, ayurveda has been practiced in India for more than 5000 years. Based on the principle of eternal life, this ancient Indian science of healing seeks to re-establish the harmony between the body and the environment.

It is essential for researchers to conduct scientific studies of alternative therapies and establish their safety and effectiveness. It is important to increase the awareness of the American public.