Tag Archive: stress management


Achieving A Cure For Panic Disorder In Children

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.09, 2010

Panic Disorder affects 1 in every 75 adult Americans. There are no definitive numbers for the amount of children that suffer from this condition, but it would make sense that if it’s on the rise with adults, then it probably is with the children as well. Restoring good health and normal life for children with this condition is not only available but also helpful.

Children’s symptoms are no different than the symptoms of the adults: struggling to breathe, a drowning feeling, feeling like they “can’t get enough air”, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, tremors, perspiration, chest pain and paralyzing fear, are all symptoms that have been recognized in children and adults with Panic Disorder.

Help is out there. A specialty centre at Boston University offers an intensive therapy course with visits at a later time for follow up in order to finish the treatment and make sure that the symptoms don’t return.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) teaches both parents and children how to identify the first inkling of Panic Disorder, and how to battle the issues together. They are both taught specific skills to reducing and overcoming the symptoms altogether.

Where certain phobias can be pointed out that are triggers for Panic Disorder, these phobias can be treated with a multitude of intensive programs focusing on the specific phobia, understanding it and making it less threatening and less likely induce Panic Attacks.

It is important for both child and parent to understand that in these therapies it may be necessary to place the child in a stressful situation, in some cases even to cause the specific circumstance in a controlled environment, that cause the child to undergo a Panic Attack. Only by understanding it can the reason for it happening be comprehended and thus treated.

It is critical that you understand that the child’s Panic Attacks are not fictitious. Panic Disorder is no respecter or persons with children, so their symptoms are just as harsh. Admitting and accepting that treatment needs to start is the first step to obtaining a cure.

Help is available. Parents and children do not have to deal with these issues on their own. The internet is a good source of information for centers not just in Boston, but in other cities, where children can attend effective therapy and overcome their panic issues.

Anytime there are medical or psychological conditions to deal with, it is best to talk to your family doctor about the situation. Those who think they have a phobia without a cause should talk to their doctors before enrolling in any treatment programs. Please talk to your family doctor, and they can put you in the hands of a specialist in the area that you need.

Looking for more advice on Stopping Panic Attacks? Visit www.stressfreeport.com and download your own self-help guide on how to Reducing Stress NOW.

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Managing Panic Disorder Without Drugs

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.08, 2010

Studies suggest that Panic Disorder, an extreme reaction not necessarily triggered by a phobia, is on the rise. Some sufferers control the condition with drugs, but for others there is another solution – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT is made up of two steps: the initial is to point out every day factors that initiate Panic Disorder. The patient maintains a detailed journal in which they clarify common denominators each time they had an episode. Knowing what issues set off attacks leads to the second step; working up methods to change the behavior of the person to reduce and often get rid of the activators that can bring about the attacks.

Although acute sufferers may need initially to use drugs to combat the worst of the symptoms, there is evidence that CBT can vastly reduce and in some cases eliminate entirely the use of drugs to treat the condition. Certainly the correct therapeutic techniques learned in the early stages of development of the condition can negate the need for drugs altogether.

One other advantage that CBT has, it that is can be used for children too, enabling them to avoid becoming addicted to antidepressants and other drugs used to reduce the symptoms of Panic Disorder. These medicines can have strong side effects and medical experts prefer not to prescribe these drugs to children when other options are available.

Like any treatment, CBT needs to be carefully managed. Regular, honest discussions with a behavioral therapist can adjust the direction CBT takes in teaching sufferers how to recognize the first signs of an attack and defuse them with relaxation techniques. It can take time to identify the triggers; the importance of not giving up and of adjusting the therapy to meet newly identified criteria is paramount. It is likely that combinations of triggers may not be at first apparent, and patterns of behavior that need to be focused on must be carefully considered.

Ultimately the goal of CBT for sufferers of Panic Disorder is to provide them with a non-addictive form of treatment that has no side effects, and it is increasingly regarded as effective, particularly when combined with a further technique known as Behavioral Activation which is also used in the treatment of depression and related disorders.

Finally, with medical or psychological issues, the primary person to discuss possible treatment with is your family doctor. Patients who think they suffer from a phobia, especially Panic Symptoms with no obvious cause, should look to their doctors before partaking of any treatments. Their doctor can refer them to someone who specializes in CBT.

Learn more about Panic Attack’s Release. Visit Yuval Harpaz’s site where you can download a self-help guide about how to Start Reducing Stress NOW and what it can do for you.

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The Unreasonable Source Of Panic Attacks

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.08, 2010

Juliette (not her real name) finds it uncomfortable to shop at peak times. The number of people around her continually makes her edgy and she struggles not to drop her groceries and run from the store. As a Panic Attack sufferer, she no longer shops at peak hours, preferring to wait until late at night, risking dark walks and night prowlers rather than crowds of shoppers. If she just could simply know what triggered it at the first place.

The panic reflex is normal. It is part of our “”fight or flight” reflex, the animal part of us that assesses each situation to decide whether it is safe or whether a fight is likely. The part which tells us we can fight to defend ourselves, or that we are outnumbered or outmatched and should flee.

For many this is a sensitive subject. Every day we take activities for granted make these people fearful. Patients feel that everywhere they turn there is a problem, and like Juliette even shopping for groceries can be troublesome.

The American Psychiatric Association classifies a panic attack as a fully documented condition, complete with symptoms such as trembling, shortness of breath and chest pains. To sufferers it is all too real, even though the majority of the population will never encounter such a phenomenon.

Some studies have even suggested that Panic Attacks may be hereditary, particularly in cases of identical twins. Other studies indicate that those whose parents were overly cautious might inadvertently encourage the development of anxiety and Panic Attacks in their children.

Many of us have phobias, which have no apparent trigger to cause us to have a panic attack. It can be insects, snakes or heights being the most reported reasons, but these have obvious reasons and the second that these triggers are removed from our environment, the phobia disappears. Those who suffer Panic Attacks have no reason, and their attacks can occur at any time of the day.

Sometimes, a prescription drug may be responsible for Panic Attacks. Ritalin and medications that use Quinolone as a base are the most commonly known drugs that induce Panic Attacks. When this happens, stopping the medication can stop the attacks.

Panic Disorder, at its most severe typically begins before the age of 24. Women experience panic disorder as twice as often as men. In a report that was done in 2004, showed that 40% of the patients had attacks before the age of 20.

When left untreated, Panic Disorder can get to the place where the patient feels they are unable to lead a normal life. A stigma seems to be part of the problem, in which the patient fears that they will be viewed as mentally ill. This condition can be treated with a variety of ways and with modern drugs. It is very highly recommended that anyone who is concerned should discuss this with their family doctor as soon as possible.

Find out more how to Stop Panic Attacks by visiting Yuval Harpaz’s site at www.stressfreeport.com, where you can download a FREE self-help guide on how to Start Reducing Stress NOW for your needs.

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Successfully Treating Panic Disorder In Children

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.08, 2010

Panic Disorder affects 1 in every 75 adult Americans. There are no definitive numbers for the amount of children that suffer from this condition, but it would make sense that if it’s on the rise with adults, then it probably is with the children as well. Restoring good health and normal life for children with this condition is not only available but also helpful.

Children’s symptoms are no different than the symptoms of the adults: struggling to breathe, a drowning feeling, feeling like they “can’t get enough air”, tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes, tremors, perspiration, chest pain and paralyzing fear, are all symptoms that have been recognized in children and adults with Panic Disorder.

Help is out there. A specialty centre at Boston University offers an intensive therapy course with visits at a later time for follow up in order to finish the treatment and make sure that the symptoms don’t return.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, or PCIT, teaches the parents and children how to recognize the very first sign of Panic Disorder, and how to work through this together. They are both taught the necessary skills to limit and break away from the symptoms all around.

Where specific phobias can be identified that are triggers for Panic Disorder, these phobias can be treated with a variety of intensive programs focusing on the specific phobia, understanding it and making it less frightening and thus less likely to trigger Panic Attacks.

It is important for both child and parent to understand that in these therapies it may be necessary to place the child in a stressful situation, in some cases even to cause the specific circumstance in a controlled environment, that cause the child to undergo a Panic Attack. Only by understanding it can the reason for it happening be comprehended and thus treated.

It is critical that you understand that the child’s Panic Attacks are not fictitious. Panic Disorder is no respecter or persons with children, so their symptoms are just as harsh. Admitting and accepting that treatment needs to start is the first step to obtaining a cure.

Help is within reach. Parents and children don’t have to wander out there alone with these issues. The internet is a great tool, providing information for not only centers in Boston, but in many other cities, where children can take part in effective therapy and beat their issues.

As always with medical or psychological issues, the best person to discuss potential treatment with is the family practitioner. People who believe they are suffering from any form of phobia, particularly panic symptoms with no apparent cause, should seek the advice of their doctors before undergoing any form of treatment. The doctor can refer patients to specialists in the relevant areas.

Learn more about Panic Attack’s Release. Visit www.stressfreeport.com where you can find out all about how to Start Reducing Stress NOW and what it can do for you.

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Helpful Knowledge For Panic Disorder And Agoraphobia Sufferers

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.07, 2010

Agoraphobia is the fear of open spaces and can be awful on its own. In combination with Panic Disorderit can be obstructive. Around 3.2 million men and women deal with Agoraphobia on a daily basis. There is also a rise in the amount of people experiencing the severe version – Panic Disorder.

Those who suffer from Panic Disordercan find themselves unable to react to circumstances around them when an attack is under way. Their symptoms can be harsh ranging from chest pains to hyperventilation, to non-stop trembling. Agoraphobia is often times a contributing factor, but it is not the only one.

Attacks can be hazardous when people are driving. Their reflexes become impeded, and they may find it tough to react properly to situations around them. This makes it harder when other drivers aren’t aware of the situation or when they engage in road rage. This causes a real problem, with the patient not wanting to leave the home out of fear that they may have an attack, causing a wreck.

Some sufferers treat this condition with drugs, some with therapy and some with a combination of the two. Others simply refuse to leave their houses, becoming prisoners in their own seclusion, unwilling and in some cases unable to seek help or treatment. This can ultimately lead to depression and suicidal urges if left untreated.

There is treatment for both conditions. Some SSRI’s that are helpful are Citalopram, Dapoxetine or Escitalopram. Seek advice from your doctor if you have liver disease or you are expecting, as SSRI’s are known to have some long term side effects and some short term effects as well.

Benzodiazepines can also be used, although the medical community as a whole believes that they should not be a long term medication for either condition. They can, however, be used in combination with some therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) where the goal of the psychological therapy is to achieve a cure, while the Benzodiazepine suppresses the symptoms during treatment.

Groups already at risk of heart conditions, such as men and women over 40 should ensure they take extra care in choosing a treatment regime with their doctors, as both the Panic Disorderand some medications can cause complications in these patient groups. The long term dangers of addiction to drugs also need to be fully understood prior to commencing any form of treatment.

As always with medical or psychological issues, the best person to discuss potential treatment with is the family practitioner. People who believe they are suffering from any form of phobia, particularly panic symptoms with no apparent cause, should seek the advice of their doctors before undergoing any form of treatment. The doctor can refer patients to specialists in the relevant areas of expertise.

Learn more about Panic Attack’s Release. Visit Yuval Harpaz’s site where you can download a self-help guide about how to Start Reducing Stress NOW and what it can do for you.

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2 Recommended Treatments To Efficiently Purge Panic Disorder

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.06, 2010

For some, Panic Disorder may require drugs to treat. For others, it is possible to treat with a combination of drugs and therapy. For some it is possible to treat with therapy alone. There are a number of different therapies available to treat the condition; here are the main two.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – This is foremost form of recommended therapy. First, you name the triggers that instigate the Panic Attacks and create methods of ridding the urge to panic by tricking the mind to hone in on other things the moment it begins to become cloudy. Many times this includes visualizing the worst of situations and working through them with the therapist until they have met their end.

By recognizing the factors below the surface that make them the most fearful, and what happens following an occurrence, it becomes clear what the factors are. They move from unknown to real, and make it easier to address. Short term drugs may be prescribed in order to minimize the strongest aspects of the Panic Attack while training the mind. Moving forward, the drug treatments become less necessary because the mind becomes stronger over time and more able to overcome the symptoms.

Exposure Therapy – Where the causes of Panic Disorder are easily identifiable, for example in cases where Panic Disorder develops from agoraphobia, treatment by exposure therapy may be useful. This consists of deliberately exposing, under controlled circumstances and conditions, the patient to the specific conditions which trigger their panic. They can then learn methods of controlling and lessening the effects of the panic.

Regular breathing, calming down the mind and relaxation techniques can minimize the harsh nature of the attack if they use them the moment the Panic Attack begins. This will bring about stable thinking, reduce blind panic, and empowers the patient to reduce the fear that they feel coming on. Exposure Therapy can be paired with prescription medications for a short term period, while aiding in identifying triggers that can cause one to panic.

By using well researched techniques that are known to fight the root of Panic Disorder, the patient addresses the source of the problem, and not just covering up the symptoms with drugs. For several patients this means a complete recovery.

Lastly, when dealing with medical and psychological conditions, you should talk to your family practitioner about your symptoms. Patients that believe they have a phobia or panic symptoms with no realized cause, they should tell their doctor up front. The family practitioner can refer them to a specialist in the area of Panic Disorder.

Looking to find the best source for Releasing Panic Attacks? Visit www.stressfreeport.com to find the best advice on Start Reducing Stress NOW for you.

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Important Pros And Cons Advice For Panic Disorder Drugs

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.04, 2010

Many modern drugs can be used in the treatment of Panic Disorder. But besides the fact that they only temporarily relief the symptoms and do not actually heal the disorder, many of them have side effects and are not suitable for certain sections of the population. This article gives brief outlines on drugs that are known to help.

Benzodiazepines – Also known as Diazepam or Valium. Benzodiazepines are relaxants; they suppress the body’s cognitive functions for a time. As such they are not suitable for those who drive, since driving impairment and judgment will be affected. Alcohol should never be consumed while on Benzodiazepines. Dizziness, lack of co-ordination and danger of injury by falling are the most common short term side effects. Benzodiazepines may not be prescribed for long term treatment, but together with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) these drugs are often used short term.

SSRI – This stands for Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitors, but these are commonly called anti-depressants. This category includes: Sertraline, Paroxetine, Flouxetine, Fluvoxamine, Escitalopram, Dapoxetine, and Citalopram. All drugs in this category have side effects, and some are more influential than others. These cannot be used to treat expectant mothers, or those who wish to become pregnant because they can cross the placenta and impress the fetus. Those who are hemophiliacs are have cardiac disease should not take SSRI’s. It’s important to remember that SSRI’s don’t treat the problem; they only aid suppressing the symptoms.

Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCA’s) – These are potent anti-depressants that can help with Panic Disorder, but are not for long term use. They have a lengthy list of side effects, but they don’t penetrate the Placenta, so they can be used short term for pregnant women. Alcohol may make them virulent. TCA’s are recognized for disturbing withdrawal symptoms. They are similar to SSRI’s, in that they don’t treat the root of the problem. CBT should be implemented.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) – The most powerful antidepressants, MAOIs are not used to treat Panic Disorder unless all other drugs have failed. These drugs block the ability to digest some foods which can lead to complications. They also have severe withdrawal symptoms and are not compatible with a number of other drugs and with alcohol. Like all suppressants MAOIs lessen the impact of symptoms but do not treat the cause; as such CBT may be essential to address the cause of the Panic Disorder to allow the discontinuation of MAOI treatment at the earliest possible point.

As with any medical or psychological medical needs, it is best to discuss your symptoms with your family physician. Those who feel as though they are being hunted by a phobia, especially panic disorder with no specific reasoning, should get their doctor’s advice before undergoing any treatment. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist that is licensed in your area of need.

Looking to find the best source for Releasing Panic Attacks? Visit www.stressfreeport.com to find the best advice on Start Reducing Stress NOW for you.

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How To Direct Life With Anxiety Panic Attacks?

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jul.02, 2010

Steve (not his real name) is a singer in a duo with his brother. Most of the times while performing he will be fine. But occasionally Steve finds himself on the verge of outright panic attack for no identifiable reason. Even though the audience is not hostile, Steve finds himself wanting to escape the venue and even from his own brother.

Steve is a sufferer of Panic Disorder, a condition that affects 96 in every 100,000 Americans today. The number may not seem high, but it is on the rise, from less than 10 in every 100,000 in a study conducted in 1996.

Everything from hereditary traits to the early onset of separation anxiety, have been blamed as a few of the myriad of sources being the basis for Panic Disorder.

Panic disorder can be debilitating, for those who suffer from it. Daily and ordinary activities can, without any reason or threat, bring about a panic attack that leaves the victim with no choice but to stop and surrender to the attack while seated and gasping for air. These attacks can range anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds for longer.

Quite rapidly most of the sufferers start to identify the symptoms near the beginning of an attack, and frequently lessen the sternness with medication. Some of the antidepressants restrain the nastiest symptoms of attacks very quick, although sufferers should also be aware not to become a drug dependant person.

Benzodiazepines are useful in treating Panic Disorder, but medical experts argue amongst themselves that these drugs may not be effective for those who suffer long term. SSRI medicines have been known to provide relief to panic attack victims by suppressing their symptoms, but they have also been shown to rid the patient of the symptoms completely.

Occasionally unidentified victims might fight the effects of Panic Disorder without understanding what it is and that it is even very likely to be treated. Subsequently, sufferers might expect more problems; some studies show menopausal women are at higher risk of heart attack by almost 300%. Senior people taking analgesic medications are also at increased risk of fatal heart attack when using Benzodiazepine.

In some cases, drugs are not necessary to treat the condition. A psychological therapy known as cognitive restructuring can, in some cases, lessen or even totally overcome the condition without the need for drugs. Whether drugs are needed or not, the first step in treatment is to recognize and acknowledge the condition, and this can be an issue in itself with the stigma of potentially being classified as mentally unstable.

The key to addressing and potentially beating Panic Disorder is not to ache in silence. Modalities are there for the taking, and those who they fell they have this should talk to their physician.

Learn more about Panic Attack’s Release. Visit Yuval Harpaz’s site where you can download a self-help guide about how to Start Reducing Stress NOW and what it can do for you.

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5 Co-Active Keys For Helping A Panicking Person

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jun.27, 2010

Panic disorder is on the rise in America today. Although most sufferers of Panic Disorder have the condition under control, there are still circumstances where a sufferer may have a severe panic attack in a public place. If this happens, there are thing that anyone can do which will make the attack easier to deal with for all involved.

1 – Keep calm. The last thing someone needs while having a panic attack is to have others around them panic, too. Speak calmly, reassuring the afflicted individual that the situation is not what it appears to be. Keep in mind, that what they feel is very surreal and their whole world has been turned upside down. In their mind, no one understands what they are going through.

2 – Don’t get carried away. Most of the times, it really isn’t necessary to call 911. However, if they have injured themselves or someone else do make that call. The medics on the scene won’t treat the attack any differently than you would. Remember, when someone is afflicted by a panic attack they are already ashamed and embarrassed and any added chaos will make it worse. Sirens and lot of carrying on will make this harder for them, so remove them to a quite area if possible and try to keep them calm, talking them through things until it passes.

3 – People or open spaces may be a challenge. Try to locate a spot where you can take the person suffering where they are not surrounded by these two likely triggers (unless the episode happens in a crowded place like an elevator where close quarters may be a trigger). Reassure those around you that everything is fine, and that they should give the person suffering some space and time.

4 – Determine if the person takes medication, and help them locate it. When undergoing an attack they probably will recall what they are taking and their dosage, but it might escape their mind as to where they put it. Calming them down without pointing fingers will help them to calm down and stir their memory. Pushing them to locate medicine right away will make things worse and panic them further. Your job is to just bring calm to the environment.

5 – Stay with the sufferer until the attack passes. Very rarely does an attack last longer than half an hour. In most cases, it is over and the sufferer completely back to normal in less than 15 minutes. Remaining with the sufferer lessens the chance of the attack returning.

To find out more how to Stop Panic Attacks, visit Yuval Harpaz’s site at www.stressfreeport.com and download a FREE self-help guide on how to Start Reducing Stress NOW for your needs.

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4 Vital Tips On How To Manage Anxiety Without Medication

Filed Under: Anxiety
Jun.20, 2010

Each person has something stressful in his or her life. Stress comes from home and work but it all has the same effect. Most of us can deal with stress very easily. They have no major issues when it comes to handling stress. They deal with stress without any difficulty at all.

On the other hand some people are unable to deal with stress constructively. A variety of physical and psychological difficulties can result from this. Some folks will turn to drugs and/or alcohol to solve their stressful situation. After turning to prescription some people later become addicted to them.

Help exists. Medication is not the only way to deal with stress. In fact there are many several ways to handle day to day anxiety. The way forward is to employ stress and anxiety management strategies. But what are they?

How To Deal With Stress Without Medication: Steps To Take

Step 1 – Recognize Your Stressor

Acknowledging what stressors you have in the first pace is a vital first step to dealing with anxiety without drugs. What situations and people are causing you stress? The you simply have to learn to bypass these stressors as well as possible. If so, then do it as often as you can.

Step 2 – Breaking Away and Getting Handle on Yourself

The second step on how to deal with anxiety without medication that you should follow includes taking a break from the stressor and getting a handle on the situation and yourself. From there, you can come back to the situation with a fresh perspective.

Step 3 – Change How You React

A third step on how to deal with stress encourages you to change how you would react to the stressor. For instance, determine what is most important and focus on one thing and one thing only. Try joining a support group or confiding in someone you can trust. It is important to share your issue with someone who appreciates it.

Step 4 – Letting the Stress Go

Letting go of the stress is the fourth step to handling anxiety without medication. This will take a lot of practice but it can be accomplished.

Other Ways to Deal With Anxiety and Stress

Besides the great four steps above there are a variety of other ways to handle stress without drugs. What are they? Some examples are:

- Focus on something that is not stressful – Meditation – Listening to music – Reading – Exercise – Journaling

Still want to know how to deal with anxiety without medication? Consider being healthier. Get a full night’s sleep and take in some regular exercise. You can also give yourself the strength to deal with stress by eating more fruits and vegetables.

Keeping a positive outlook on life as best you can is the main focus of dealing with stress without a medication. Of course if, even for a moment, you fear stress might be too much for you to deal with alone then you must go to see a licensed therapist. A therapist can then evaluate if you need medication.

For more information on anxiety and panic medication alternatives, Anxiety, Panic Attacks and related mood disorder issues visit Anxiety Panic Resources – get our free 40-Part Video and MP3 Audio Course.

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