subject: Cures For Panic Attacks Take Time [print this page] Author: Nathan Tyler Author: Nathan Tyler
Although anxiety medication and antidepressants are often marketed as cures for panic attacks, research disapproves their effectiveness. Benzodiazepines include alprazolam and clonazepam, while common SSRI antidepressants include Zoloft and Paxil. People who are prescribed antidepressants may only notice effects several weeks later.
Unfortunately, medication does little to tackle the actual cause of anxiety disorders, they merely reduce the symptoms. In some cases, anxiety symptoms reemerge when a sufferer stops taking medication. Unfortunately the answer isn't to continue using them since they are not meant for long term use.
There is a danger that sufferers become chronic users if they continue to take prescription medication for long periods. The problem is that medication can be highly addictive and may do more harm than good in the long run. Long term use of medication can result in physiological and psychological dependency. The more sufferers depend on medication the more they believe they can't function without them.
Such a belief only worsens their anxiety. Furthermore if they do stop taking medication they may experience withdrawal symptoms and their disorder is likely to worsen. The use of medication for any length of time bears dangers. Medication is not 100% effective at treating anxiety and research shows that it can worsen anxiety in some people. In rare cases medication can cause severe anxiousness.
A number of psychotherapists may use medicine as part of behavioral therapy treatment. Tests show that this is much more effective than relying on medication alone. Apart from medication, there are other options to choose from. Natural aids such as St John's Worts are often available at most chemists and do not require a prescription.
Generally, natural remedies are safer in comparison to anxiety medication but may not be as effective. Both herbal remedies and medication shouldn't be considered cures for panic attacks. People with moderate to severe anxiety have a low success rate at being treated with medicine alone.
It is best to see a physician or mental health professional to decide how to treat you anxiety disorder. Pregnant women should be especially aware of the dangers of taking anti-anxiety medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy brings relief to more than 70% of people. Behavioral therapy is perhaps the most effective form of treatment available.
Therapies are considered more effective cures for panic attacks since they deal with the behaviors and habits that can trigger anxiety. While success of therapy can dramatically improve a person's life, long term maintenance of mental health is important. There is a danger however of slipping back into old patterns of behavior that re-establish an anxiety disorder.
Stress management and maintenance of both mental and physical health can reduce the chances of anxiety returning. Instead of relying on cures for panic attacks it's important to realize that we have control over our emotions and behaviors. To really overcome anxiety a person needs to make changes. Therapy is by no means instant and can take weeks for it to work. Moreover, adjustments to daily routine, habits and awareness of certain triggers need attention in order to ease anxiety.About the Author:
