Remedies for Depression

Posts Tagged ‘anxiety disorders’

Last year, there were some 40 million Americans treated for anxiety and panic disorders. If you are one of the many who are experiencing sever panic attacks on a regular basis, there are treatment options available that can reduce or eliminate the panic attacks. Don’t let panic attacks rule your life any longer. Read on to learn about some of the panic attack medications available.
The most commonly prescribed panic attack medication is one of the various forms of antidepressants. These medications help to keep your anxiety and stress levels down to a manageable level. They also help with any depression conditions you may have, which is not uncommon in anxiety disorder patients. There is a chemical imbalance in your brain that is responsible for the magnified effects of everyday stresses. Two main neurotransmitters (serotonin and norepinephrine) are related to your mood, and these are the chemicals targeted by antidepressants.
While most antidepressants work by correcting the levels of these neurotransmitters in your brain, how they go about it can be completely different from product to product. The panic attack medications Zoloft, Paxil, and Prozac are all selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, and Ativan are all a class of antidepressant called benzodiazapines. Norpramin, Anafranil, and Tofranil are tricyclic antidepressants. Parnate and Nardil are both monomine oxidase inhibitors. These last two types are prescribed much more rarely nowadays than the first two classifications of antidepressant. Knowing what type of antidepressant you are currently taking is very important, as some other medications, even over-the-counter ones, can react badly with certain classes of antidepressant. Always ask your doctor about any possible drug interactions.
All of these panic attack medications, while usually quite effective, can have some unpleasant side effects. Usually these side effects are most pronounced if your dosage is too high, they can occur at any dosage. The more common side effects of antidepressants include: dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision, sexual problems, nausea, heart palpitations, racing heart, weight gain, nightmares, insomnia, and nervousness. While some of these side effects may be better than having panic attacks, if they are too much they can cause more stress than the medications relieve. If at any time you feel that the side effects are just too much, you should discuss changing your medication with your doctor.
Remember, everyone is different. All medication do not effect everybody the same way. What works for one person may not work for you, and it can take time and effort to find the panic attack medications that work best for you. Your doctor may have to change your panic attack medication several times, but with so many different antidepressant and dosages available to try odds are good that you will find the medications that work for you. And once you have found the panic attack medications that best control your symptoms, don’t stop taking them just because you are feeling better. The medicines just deal with the symptoms, they are not a final cure for your panic disorder.

It has been discovered that setraline introduced is very effective as it helps individuals in reducing the depression and anxiety he / she undergoes. It is also efficient for the people who undergo panic attacks. There are many other medications too that can be taken to overcome this panic attack, but setraline is suggested as it is less prone to side affects.
The most widely used medicine for the panic attacks are the serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that comprises of the medications such as the Prozac, Zolosoft or Sertraline and Paxil. Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin and Valium are the Benzodiapines; The Try cyclic antidepressants such as the Parnate, Nardil, Marplanm, and monoamine oxidize the inhibitors like the Norpramin, Anafranil, and Tofranil. The Benzodiazepines and the SSRIs are found to be largely effective in treating this panic attacks. Sertraline is considered the best medication amongst all the other drugs.
A research was conducted by the Pohl RB, and
They have reported to the American Journal of Psychiatry that Sertraline in the treating the panic disorder is a double bind multicentred trail. In the year 1998, an issue proved that sertraline is the best medicament. The double bind research was randomized and there was a parallel group designed to ensure that the outcomes are valid and consistent. This team compared the Sertraline to that of a sob. A horde of 168 patients suffering from panic attacks were estranged into two sets. One group received the Sertraline and the other got the placebo. The set which got the sertraline as the drug to be taken, received 25mg per day for a week and the research begun depending on the individual. Every person was assessed each day to analyze how the dosage affected the symptoms, when the panic attack occurs, and the period the anxiety or the attack lasts, and the side affects.
The domino effect showed that only 9% of the group stopped using the sertraline to cure the panic attack as it gave side affects. A minute percentage stopped taking the medication as it did not work for them. A very large percentage of people experienced a great change and it has decreased the extent of panic for them. The study said that 62% of the partakers did not undergo any kind of panic attacks in the end. Other results reported that there was a decrease in the symptoms before and after they experience the attack. For the best results dosage of sertraline must be given between 50 mg - 200mg.
The use of sertraline for these panic attacks can be prescribed by the doctor. One will have to get an appointment for evaluation and analysis. The doctor may also refer you to the psychiatrist if he personally feels that you need to be monitored better.

Pregnancy is a time of amazing joy. A woman bringing life into the world. You pick out baby furniture, paint the room and begin setting it up. Clothes that always seemed small and darling will be what your child will be wearing. You gain weight slowly and get to see the baby on an ultrasound. However, for many women, the joy of child birth can bring panic attacks too. So how does a pregnant woman deal with panic attacks?
Well, to be honest, the attacks can happen before the woman decides to get pregnant and after she has the baby in post partum depression. It is noted that six percent of women who do develop panic disorder get it after the child is born. However, both points are still being studied on.
There are several stressors in our lives… both positive and negative events. Example: You take a new job…a positive effect. Yet, there are many things that need to be done that causes stress.
Getting pregnant is the same way. It can be positive and joyous but it is one of the most changing life event ever experienced. It can cause panic disorders through the tension and stress that is caused from the anxiety one feels.
When the stress level rises, physical panic reactions ensue. This can make them feel as if they have lost all control of their mind and body. Some even feel that have lost their self-esteem. This is the time when self-esteem should be at its highest level before the baby’s birth.
In the third trimester, the brain produces a chemical called serotonin which produces during fear and worry times. Since the chemical is released, panic attacks can become frequent and be intense.
As the impact of the pregnancy grows, the woman’s ability to cope with family and the impending birth is starting to take a toll on her. For those who have suffered panic attacks during pregnancy, it is not uncommon to feel even more frustration and fear already felt from just being pregnant.
It is imperative that pregnant women and her family understand what goes on when she is suffering with panic disorder. The body is already in extreme distress from the pregnancy and panic attacks further aggravate the issue. She may find she cannot cope, cannot be trusted to make good judgments and is more tired trying to maintain self control. There are some mothers-to-be who suffer self-doubt about being a good mother.
Physical symptoms of a panic attack in pregnancy is much similar to everyone else who gets panic attacks. They are:
* Shortness of breathe
* Racing heartbeats
* Hot flashes
* dizziness
Psychological effects can be described by the following symptoms:
* fear of losing control
* fear of dying
* fear of being inadequate
Should a pregnant woman suffer from panic disorder, it is imperative she speak with her physician. Sometimes a mild prescription can be given to her if the symptoms warrant it. These effects can be quite debilitating but taking responsibility for the treatment plan can help in reducing anxiety.
Relaxation techniques including meditation and yoga are suitable programs for pregnant women. Plus a woman can change her negative thoughts into positive ones and reduce the low self esteem that she feels.
If at all possible, if there are signs of stress or anxiety, family members and the woman should be seen by her doctor.

Children are subjected to a number of psychological complaints as well as full blown illnesses. Anxiety in children is something that is not to be left without any consideration. Children also have things that make them worried even though the problem may seem very small to the adults. These problems may be considered quite big by the little ones as well as the adolescents. We find that minor anxieties are present in children, but serious disorders of anxiety are not prevalent. You need to understand the differences between these two to realize what the real problems are so that they can be treated well if there is a problem.
Anxiety which can be called normal in children
Children are subjected to a huge number of concerns and fears. As time passes, the normal anxiety also goes off without much effort from the side of the children. The fear of the exams that will be coming up, the fear of monsters hiding under the bed or the fear that is due to separation anxiety are real to the little children who suffer from them. If the anxiety is the normal case of anxiety, it does fade away with the advent of time.
When you need to be concerned
The fears do go over the limit sometimes and are no longer normal, that is when they have crossed a certain degree of anxiety and can not be controlled. When this happens, you can be sure that the child is suffering from a serious condition and is no longer under the normal category. Many of the problems like specific disorders, separation anxiety disorders, many classes of problems concerned with anxiety and social anxiety disorder are quite common nowadays.
A whole huge spectrum of disorders regarding anxiety has been detected in quite a number of children by the association of anxiety disorders of America. We do find teens being affected by both depression and anxiety at the same time. If you do not treat children who are affected by this disorder of anxiety, they may be at a higher risk of getting a lot more problems including substance abuse, inability in developing social skills and failure in school.
It is advised that caregivers, parents and the adults who are around need to keep track of any changes or if the children are showing any signs of anxiety. Children may get away from situations that make them feel vulnerable or uncomfortable and do isolate themselves and sometimes even go out of the way to get rid of such situations.
It is recommended that parents of those children who seem to be affected by anxiety get some professional help. This problem of anxiety can be treated easily and is also curable in a few cases. Doing this might help the children lead a better life.

You can easily seek and find help when panic attacks make life intolerable. Medication for panic attacks can sometimes instantly reduce the most distressing symptoms of a panic attack. Some people are afraid of using them and see no sense in taking medication that can lead to addiction even when taken for a short term.
1. Reasons to Take Medication for Panic Attacks
Medication for panic attacks is used to obtain relief from symptoms and also to enable patients to derive the benefits of other types of therapy. Most anxiety disorders are incurable; so, drugs serve only as a means to reduce the suffering caused by them. They can also help avoid any future complications that might require long-term medication.
Doctors commonly precribe drugs such as Valium and Zoloft for instant relief from symptoms of anxiety disorder. These drugs can considerably reduce the stress experienced by a person due to these symptoms.
Sometimes, anti-depressants can also be used along with anti-anxiety medication because both work hand in hand in controlling and reducing symptoms of anxiety disorder. The drugs, however, are used sparingly because they can be addictive.
2. Other Ways to Treat Panic Attacks
While medication for panic attacks helps give instant relief from the symptoms of the condition, it is not the only method available for a person suffering from panic attacks. Often, a lasting solution that does not require the taking of medication is preferable.
Fortunately, a person suffering from panic attacks has a number of options to choose from. Your treatment plan depends on your medical history and the exact nature of the problem you are suffering from.
You can choose from the following types of treatment.
3. Individual Psychotherapy
This therapy can be of great help to a person suffering from anxiety disorders. Even if the problem is triggered by chemical imbalances in the brain, it can help people cope with their condition without taking any drugs.
4. Group therapy
Group treatment is not always recommended, but it is very helpful. Patients suffering from phobias, especially, gain a lot of relief when they find out that they are not the lone sufferers. Even in case of panic disorders, the support of a group can be of great help.
5. Relaxation Techniques
Techniques such as self-hypnosis and deep breathing can be of great help in eliminating anxiety disorders including panic attacks, irrespective of whether they are done during group therapy or as an individual effort. These methods are the precise tools that people require in order to get back to a normal, productive life.
Most people are afraid to consider the use of medication for panic attacks. But, they can at least provide short-term relief by reducing stress and anxiety. This, in turn, helps you successfully pursue other treatments that might provide long-term relief from panic attacks.

The process of using interpersonal therapy to treat panic disorders is one of learning how to interact with and relate to other people in a situation that makes you comfortable. Most people with social panic disorders have issues regarding their self-image and individuality. Most often these manifest as a tendency to avoid confrontations and play a submissive role, even when it make them unhappy to do so. The “nice guy” who always does anything his social group asks of him as a “favor” is a classic example of this behavior. Even if he really doesn’t want to run the errand, he is afraid of being rejected and begins to panic just thinking about it, and so does what was asked of him.
The practice of interpersonal therapy to treat panic disorders is common nowadays. The most important thing is to teach the person to be more assertive and express their true needs and feelings in a comfortable way. Always being submissive to others wants can easily lead to a loss of self-esteem and depression as you see your own worth and needs as being less than those around you.
There are ways to be assertive without being aggressive, fortunately. Learning to be assertive means learning to place your own needs above those of others. It means learning to say “No” without having a panic attack. Aggressive behavior tends to result from a lack of assertiveness, which causes the aggressive person to lash out at those around them. But most of the time, people who aren’t assertive simply let everyone around them have their way, regardless of their own feelings on what they want.
When going into interpersonal therapy to treat panic disorders, a lot of time is spent discovering how to express oneself verbally. You must learn to choose words that do not attack, manipulate, or belittle the other person. Part of the process is learning to tell people when you don’t want to do something. It is also necessary to learn when it is appropriate to assert your wants over others wants, how and when to say no, and generally just learning to communicate more effectively overall.
Another important part of interpersonal therapy is the time spent learning how to use neutral body language to maintain your non-submissive status without using aggressive body language. For instance, looking the other person in the eye when telling them something can mean the difference between being submissive and not submissive. You will be amazed at how much different your use of body language can make both you and others feel about you.
Most panic attacks are caused by panic disorders, which are in turn caused by ongoing anxiety. If you are the type of person that always gives in, is always submissive, then you are probably living in a state of constant anxiety that you will be asked to do something you really don’t want to do. This can easily lead to simply isolating oneself from the group, in an attempt to avoid those situations. This is not good for you, and can lead to depression in addition to the panic and anxiety disorders.
The most important thing you can learn by going through interpersonal therapy to treat your panic disorder is simply that you have the right to your own feelings. No person can force you to do something that you don’t want to. If you think that this article describes you, visit your doctor for a referral to an interpersonal therapist. You will never regret it.

If you are going to try herbal remedies for your panic attacks, it is very important that you consider both the disadvantages as well as the advantages of taking these herbal remedies. The FDA does not approve of these herbal remedies but they have been proved not to cause any side effects. These herbal remedies are as effective as the psychotropic medications.
Before you decide on taking these herbal remedies, it is recommended that you discuss it with your doctor. The doctor will for sure put in his or her ideas on it. It is also necessary that your doctor knows the medications that have been prescribed along with the herbal remedies that you will be taking. The herbal remedies that have been prescribed for panic attacks may have interactions with various other medications. These interactions may not allow these medications to work as effectively as otherwise. So this may be a problem for you if you are already taking medical medications for your health. Interaction of these medications may also lead to increasing the side effects you may suffer from.
Keeping you balanced, not making you feel irritable and keeping you and your body calm is what herbal remedies can do to your panic attacks. Certain herbal remedies may be able to help in decreasing you anxiety level when you get anxious or are feeling stressed. The remedies work in a way that is natural but just like the psychotropic medications.
The common herbal remedies are lavender, passiflora and lemon balm for these sorts of attacks. These have been helping many people relax for many a years. These herbs are sometimes mixed with other herbs, but even then the main herbs are those which affect your behavior as well as your mood.
Lemon balm is made use of in teas as well as antibacterial purposes. It is also used for many other purposes. It is a mild sedative which will provide you with a calming effect. This hence, is an herbal remedy for attacks of stress. It also helps with the frequency of the panic attacks.
Lavender helps in healing wounds mainly and also in used for other purposes. Stress and anxiety are also healed by this. It also is helpful is making people fall asleep and help them stay asleep. It helps those people who need a restful sleep at night. Lavender shows reduction in anxiety levels.
Tea is made from passiflora leaves. It is said to be useful for those who are suffering from intense anxiety and insomnia. For those people who are experiencing epilepsy, it helps in reducing the frequency of these epilepsy episodes. This herbal remedy is found to have alkoloids of beta carboline harmala, which are found in anti depressants which are mainly used for panic attacks.
Herbal remedies are easily accessible and are also effective. A prescription is not needed. Herbal remedies do not have as many as side effects as the anti depressant medicines. If you do face any problems or changes in mood or behavior it is necessary that you consult your doctor.

On a special Oprah panic attack show, Jonathan and Jordan Knight were featured. They gained fame in the late 80s and early 90s in their band called New Kids On The Block (NKOTB).

What the screaming girls probably didn’t know was that the brothers in the band had demons they had to deal with. The point is, panic attacks and anxiety disorders can happen to anyone.

People need to understand this. Not the ones who are suffering, but the ones who think it’s a fake illness or who think it’s brought on by the sufferer. This is not an act. Nobody wants to be like this.A Panic Attack On The Oprah Show

Jonathan Knight actually had a panic attack on the show. After he left NKOTB, he hid himself away and didn’t want to get out of bed. He probably had depression, which is linked to panic.

His brother Jordan also had anxiety issues. Jordan started getting books and read up on his condition. He did the right thing. By educating yourself on your condition, it plays a big part in the recovery process.

Jordan eventually found out that his father also suffered from panic attacks. There is certainly evidence to suggest that anxiety disorders can run in families and passed on.Panic Attacks Affect Women More Than Men

Panic attacks and panic disorder with agoraphobia tend to hit women more. Women suffer from this twice as much as men, but it can be harder for a man to have this and be accepted.

People in general will take this as a weakness in a man. They probably think it should be easier for a man to ‘get over it’. It’s a bit like crying. It’s alright if a woman cries, but REAL men don’t cry.

Panic attacks are treatable. Though it causes much anguish, the situation can be dealt with with great success. Today, there are so many methods of dealing with panic.

The obvious choice is to go to a doctor, but there are other alternative therapies available to treat panic attacks successfully. The road to wellness may not be easy, but it’s certainly worth it.

In case you’re interested in the Oprah panic attack show, click here for more. http://www.oprah.com/tows/pastshows/tows_past_20010301.jhtml

Some women are more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations than others. For many women, anxiety issues appear for the first time during periods of hormonal change. For other women, hormonal changes intensify previously existing anxiety symptoms. 

Anxiety is one of the most common symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS), post-childbirth, and perimenopause (the period of time before the onset of menopause). It may take the form of panic attacks, nervousness, sweating, intense fear, anxiety combined with depression, or other overwhelming symptoms. 

Here are several periods of hormonal change that can intensify or trigger anxiety in women. 

Puberty — Developing girls experience hormonal changes as they prepare to begin their reproductive years. 

Monthly menstrual cycle — Often girls and women experience PMS the week before their period. 

Following childbirth — The severe drop in certain hormones following childbirth can cause dramatic physical symptoms and a temporary feeling of depression or anxiety; in some women, it is prolonged.

Perimenopause — Perimenopause is the period of time when the body is approaching menopause. It may last from two to ten years. During this time the menstrual cycle becomes irregular as the hormone levels keep fluctuating, causing some women to experience PMS-like symptoms.

Although many of us may use the term “going through menopause” to describe this period of time, it is actually called perimenopause. Many women experience panic attacks for the first time during perimenopause. Other symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, rapid heartbeat, and sweating are also common. 

With surgical menopause (hysterectomy), you’ll likely experience perimenopausal symptoms after the surgery, even if you did not experience symptoms prior to surgery. Symptoms can be prolonged and are due to the dramatic and sudden decrease of certain hormones as a result of the hysterectomy.  

In non-surgical circumstances, menopause occurs after a woman has no periods for twelve consecutive months. It lasts only one day. Many women report feeling better than ever mentally and physically after menopause, due to the fact that hormone levels stabilize.

Hormonal Change Triggers the Fight Or Flight Response

Due to the fact that hormonal change causes physical and psychological stress, it triggers our “fight or flight” response. The fight or flight response is the body’s inborn, self-protective response to perceived danger. 

When we perceive that we are under stress, our bodies send out a rush of cortisol, adrenaline, and other brain chemicals to prepare us to “fight” or “flee” the danger. 

The fight or flight response triggers the physiological changes that we associate with anxiety, such as rapid heartbeat, increased blood pressure, sweating, muscle tension, narrowed mental focus, heightened emotion, and many other symptoms. 

These are the same physical sensations that many women experience when their hormone levels fluctuate. In other words, most of the symptoms women experience during times of hormonal change are really fight or flight reactions. While these physical sensations are not dangerous, they can be very intense and overwhelming.

Our fight or flight response mechanism can become “hypersensitive” with the various hormonal changes in our bodies that take place from puberty to menopause. Many of us are in a constant state of stress due to our lifestyle and thought patterns, which also causes hypersensitivity.

In other words, our bodies may be stuck in the “on” switch of fight or flight. What normally wouldn’t trigger symptoms, now initiates symptoms and perpetuates an ongoing cycle. 

Fight or flight reactions in and of themselves are harmless. However, when our thoughts convince our rational minds that these symptoms are scary and dangerous, we create an anxiety cycle.

Anxiety consists of more than fight or flight reactions acting by themselves. Unproductive thoughts play a critical role in creating and perpetuating the anxiety we experience.

Our thoughts convert fight or flight reactions into anxiety, and a self-perpetuating cycle begins. Soon we find ourselves limiting our behaviors because of anxiety as well, which further entrenches the vicious cycle.

When a person is under stress, unresolved emotions and issues commonly come to the forefront. Because hormonal change is a major stressor, it can bring up internal conflicts and self-doubt in many areas of our lives. All of a sudden, we may find that the negative self-talk that we successfully pushed to the background of our lives during less stressful times is now playing center stage. 

During periods of hormonal change, we may also feel uncertain about our changing roles (e.g. maturing from girl to woman, becoming a mother, becoming a mature woman past childbearing years), which can add to our internal conflict. 

When we fail to successfully resolve internal conflicts and the unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to them, we create a breeding ground for anxiety. Combined with fight or flight symptoms, it’s no wonder that these unproductive thoughts create and perpetuate the anxiety cycle! 

What can you do if hormone-related anxiety affects you?

Here’s some great news! The same tools that you can use to overcome anxiety due to other reasons can help you to conquer anxiety related to hormonal changes too.

Research shows that cognitive-behavioral techniques that help you change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, lifestyle changes, relaxation techniques, and nutritional strategies (all found in our Conquer Anxiety Success Program) can help women dealing with hormonal changes.

These types of strategies not only help women regain a sense of control over their lives, but actually achieve improved physical and emotional well being! Here are a few tips to get you started:

– Focus on reducing preventable stress in your life that triggers the fight or flight response — stop the yo-yo dieting; increase sleep to eight or nine hours a night; exercise regularly; don’t skip meals; cut back on your frantic schedule; and decrease stimulants, such as caffeine. 

The body isn’t designed for constant stress. When we are bombarded with stress, our ability to cope can become overwhelmed because the elevation in stress hormones makes the fight or flight switch remain “on.”

– Learn how to train your body to respond differently to stress so that you can automatically turn the false alarm “off” when the fight or flight response is triggered. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help you achieve this goal.  

– Most importantly, learn how to change how you think. Our thoughts are what convert the harmless fight or flight response into a vicious cycle of anxiety. Remember, just as our thoughts hold the key to creating anxiety, they also hold the key to eliminating it!

While you may not believe it, using natural remedies for panic attacks can be just as effective as a prescription medication. These natural remedies are often better for you as well, with fewer or no side effects. Contrast this with prescription anxiety medications, which can cause all sorts of unpleasant side effects; some of the side effects commonly experienced are: heart palpitations, racing heart, dry mouth, sexual problems, constipation, and drowsiness. These are just the more common side effects. Also, in some individuals, these prescriptions can have the opposite effect they are supposed to, increasing anxiety instead of decreasing it.
using natural remedies can avoid these unpleasant side effects. It is entirely possible to feel calmer and have fewer panic attacks using these natural remedies. Unlike prescription medications, however, natural remedies are usually not approved by the FDA for the treatment of any condition. Just be aware of your own reactions to a natural remedy and stop using it if you experience any side effects that bother you.
A few of the natural remedies available for panic attacks are lemon balm, lavender, and passiflora. These herbs are said to be highly effective in the treatment of panic attacks and for general stress and anxiety relief. Most often these are available in products with other ingredients that enhance their relaxing effect. There is a particular brand of herbal mixture called Pure Calm. This product contains all three of the above ingredients, and is very effective at relieving stress and anxiety, reducing the number of panic attacks you experience.
Another name brand herbal remedy is called Panicyl. This product contains ginseng, ashwaganda, Rhodiala Rosea, and a mixture of various amino acids that work together to relax and enhance your mood by balancing neurotransmitter levels in your brain. This acts to reduce your anxiety and help with depression, which reduces the frequency and severity of your panic attacks.
Another herbal remedy that is well known is St. John’s Wort. This herb is usually taken in capsule form to provide many of the same benefits as Panicyl, and has been proven to significantly reduce the frequency of panic attacks if taken regularly.
Some of these products should not be taken with certain prescription medications, as they may produce an adverse reaction or interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.. Always talk with your doctor before starting on any homeopathic treatment plans.
When taken regularly, natural remedies for panic attacks have been shown to be as effective in some cases as prescription medications, but with a far lower occurrence of side effects. They are all available over-the-counter, and are usually reasonably priced. You can start taking them immediately. But if you are on other medication, always talk to your doctor before taking any of these natural remedies for panic attacks.