Anxiety Panic Attack - What to Do When it Strikes

There are nearly three million people in the United States who suffer from anxiety panic attacks. When a person is stressed, the normal reaction that follows is that of a feeling of anxiety, which can actually be helpful in some situations. However, if a person's anxiety becomes excessively frequent and uncontrollable, it has become a disorder. Panic attacks are the next step up from anxiety. An anxiety panic attack takes place when a person experiences sudden and overwhelming feelings of fear for no apparent reason. Symptoms include breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, trembling, chills, dizziness, and nausea.

An anxiety panic attack is more intense and the feelings experienced are seemingly more uncontrollable. For those who suffer from this disorder, there are several treatments available for you to use. Here are some ideas on what to do when it strikes.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is often recommended by physicians as a means of controlling anxiety panic attacks. Basically, the patient is taught to perceive their anxiety attacks in a different manner, which then enables the person to effectively control the way he or she reacts to the surroundings. This therapy has worked for many people, but as with any medical treatment, no one thing works the same for every person. However, when it is in effect, the chances of anxiety panic attacks returning is very low.

Another treatment option for people who suffer from anxiety panic attacks is desensitization. For those who experience intense fears and are bordering on phobias, this temporary treatment option could work. By exposing the patient to their fear in small dosages, he can eventually become desensitized to the fear and manage it more effectively. The down side to this treatment option is that the chances of the anxiety panic attacks returning are very high. The patient could develop a new fear to replace the old one or experience the old fear more intensely at another time.

Some individuals have also reported great success in managing their anxiety panic attacks following treatments of 'tapping' or energy psychology. The physician applies pressure or performs a tapping motion to specific pressure points on the body, which is said to relieve the feeling of anxiety. This thus reduces the probability of panic attacks from developing.

Medications are sometimes prescribed as an effective treatment option for anxiety panic attacks. Ask your physician about the medications used to treat this challenging disorder.

Herbal remedies should not be discounted as a possible treatment for these attacks as well. It is a natural approach to the problem, there are no side effects to the mind or body, and the herbs used help to alleviate the symptoms associated with anxiety panic attacks.

More immediate strategies for handling an anxiety panic attack include breathing exercises, thinking positively through the attack, and not fighting the feelings of panic. Allow the feelings of fear and panic to pass by breathing through them and focusing on a separate object or person. Remember never to run away from your fear! It may only get worse if you do not confront it directly. Remind yourself that the attack will pass eventually. Also, as you learn to manage your anxiety panic attacks properly, reward yourself for your accomplishments at the same time. Thus, understanding what you should do when an anxiety panic attack strikes enables you to better manage and control the condition effectively.