Anxiety, or panic disorder, can be present from birth, or may present at any point in a person's life. Symptoms of anxiety often are physically harmless and highly preventable. Numerous treatments exist for anxiety attacks, from exercises you can perform on your own, to intensive treatments that involve a combination of behavioral therapy and medication.
Types
Generally, three types of treatment categories exist for anxiety attacks: cognitive behavioral therapy (or talk therapy), medications, and a combination of both therapy and medication. While it is best to be evaluated by a professional to determine the most effective type of treatment, you can try a variety of "self-help" techniques for relief first.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps anxiety suffers identify the negative thoughts or "triggers" that typically bring on their uncomfortable and frightening physical symptoms of anxiety. By learning identify, acknowledge and rationalize these thoughts, you can reduce or eliminate symptoms over time.
Medications
People with anxiety issues can use medication intermittently or regularly to treat and diminish symptoms. These medications, classified as either antidepressants or benzodiazepines, are often combined with behavioral therapy.
Self-Help Techniques
Certain techniques such as timing breath (breathing once every five seconds), meditation and systematic muscle relaxation can lessen and eventually prevent anxiety symptoms once you identify symptom triggers.
Warnings
While anxiety medications can and do help many patients, they sometimes unfortunately can bring on the very symptoms many patients are trying to eliminate. Common side effects associated with benzodiazepines include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, depression and nausea.
Famous Ties
Many famous people--such as Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman, Michael Jackson, Donny Osmond and even Sigmund Freud--reported dealing with various forms of anxiety or panic disorder. Even outgoing Food Network star Paula Deen once suffered from agoraphobia.
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