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Stop Panic Attacks: Leading Treatments Rated & Reviewed

Stop panic attacks...

Hello, I'm Karyn.  As a former panic attack sufferer, I know EXACTLY what it's like to live in fear of when the next one
will strike.
That's why I've devoted this site to talking about panic disorder and what can be done to completely stop panic attacks, once and for all.

I tried different meds and they did help, but I didn't like the side effects. I also didn't like having to get prescriptions filled and having to visit my doctor's office.

I spent countless hours researching panic attacks online and learned that panic disorder is NOT a mental illness.

It is a behavior disorder that can be quickly and easily fixed with the right technique.

Overcoming panic attacks is essential to leading a normal healthy life.

Over 34,000 People Have Used the "One Move" for Overcoming Panic Attacks.


"Panic Away" is
The medical establishment is starting to make note of Joe Barry's "One Move" technique.
the most impressive of the two leading methods and that's why I've given it a 5-star rating. You'll learn ONE MOVE to stop panic attacks before they happen. 

I think the illustration (right) pretty much sums up the vicious
cycle that leads to a full-blown panic attack.

To me, anything that doesn't help you break this cycle really
isn't worth considering. 

I think the only thing worse than having a panic attack is the
how it forces you to rearrange your life. That and the constant
anxiety.

Knowing that you can stop panic attacks before they happen
is really the only way to finally be free of this constant anxiety.

That is what the "One Move" is about and that is why the
Panic Away approach will continue to be top on my list of
methods to stop panic attacks.

Click here to learn the "One Move" to stop panic
     attacks before they happen.
Over 130,000 People Have Used the Linden Method to Permanently Stop Panic
Rating:
Quite honestly, the main reason this program gets just 4 stars is because of its higher price.

I think the Linden Method is as good as the "One Move", but just
different.  It's something that is actually pretty established and even
used by U.S. government health organizations.

Personally, I think this approach is quite good and it most definitely
produces permanent fast results, which is the whole point. Like I said,
the main drawback is price. But everyone's budget is different.

At the same time, it's not like doctors appointments and prescriptions
are cheap either. 

But if you're looking for something that WILL end your panic attacks
before they start, then you can't go wrong with the Linden Method.

Click here to visit the Linden Method website.
Absolutely not! Panic attacks, like other conditions such as facial blushing, post-traumatic stress disorder, excessive sweating, etc, are in fact behavioral conditions. You are not mentally ill because you have panic attacks.

Here are two major symptoms of Panic Attacks:

Anticipatory anxiety – Instead of having a normal baseline level of anxiety, say around 2-3 on a scale of 10, you experience something closer to a 4 or higher. Basically, you are caught in a perpetual state of above-average anxiety because you fear having another one at some unpredictable time in the future. You carry this fear with you at all times.

Phobic avoidance – You avoid certain situations or environments that you feel may lead to a full-blown panic attack. This could be certain public environments, social gatherings or even places where you might find it hard escape. People who suffer from extreme avoidance of public and/or open spaces suffer from agoraphobia.

Excessive sweating
Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
Nausea
Fear of dying, losing control, or going crazy
Choking feeling
Racing heartbeat
Feeling detached from your surroundings
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Feeling faint
Upset stomach
Numbness
Tingling
Hot or cold flashes


As I expressed above, a panic disorder can be thought of in terms of an anxiety thought loop. The first panic attack happens. Why? No one really knows for sure. But this is start point for the loop. Then, you develop anxiety that you will have another one.

Next, you find yourself in a place or situation where this anxiety becomes especially pronounced.  In a very short time, this anxiety escalates into fear. A 'tipping' point is then reached where a full-blown panic attack becomes almost inevitable.

As I've said, I DON'T think that medications are the answer. The ONLY way to stop panic attacks is to eliminate the fear of having them.  Using medications to do this is like cutting off a limb in order to lose weight--it works, but it affects your overall functionalilty.

I've done quite a bit of research into this area and cognitive-behavioral therapy is every but as effective at overcoming panic attacks as medications. The difference is that cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as the "One move" ("Panic Away") and the Linden Method get to the root cause of problem, rather than simply masking it as medications do. Overcoming panic attacks in this way ensures a permanent solution.

Is Panic Disorder a Mental Illness?

Drugs that are used to treat Panic Disorder

It is important to realize that any medication is only a temporary solution-- a crutch. Once the crutch is removed, the problem reappears.

Here is some information I've gathered from the web that should help you understand the different pharmaceutical options and their effects.

TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS

Tricyclic anti-depressants have traditionally been used to treat depression and, more recently, anxiety related disorders, including panic attacks.

Side effects include blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, problems urinating, postural hypo-tension, rapid heartbeat, decrease in sex drive, erectile dysfunction, sunlight sensitivity, weight gain, drowsiness, sweating, jitteriness, irritation, and problems maintaining a normal sleep schedule. Tricyclic anti-depressants, like all medications, are not a a long term solution to panic disorder.


BETA BLOCKERS

Beta blockers work by blocking beta-adrenalin, a substance produced by the body in times of crisis. Blocking beta-adrenalin prevents the body from reacting in a crisis situation, either real or imagined. In an imagined crisis, such as a panic attack, blocking adrenalin can be helpful. In a real crisis situation, it blocking adrenalin can be downright dangerous, since the release of adrenalin can help the body overcome severe adversity.

Beta blockers can be helpful in controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, particularly social anxiety and are prescribed to control rapid heartbeat, shaking, trembling and blushing.

Beta blockers can cause drowsiness, light-headedness, short-term memory problems, they can lower your heart rate, lead to acute insomnia, cause diarrhea, coldness in extremities, depression and even nightmares.


BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines are in the ‘anxiolytic’ class of medications. They may be taken episodically (at social events, interviews, etc.) or on a regular basis.

Because benzodiazepines interfere with the brain’s cholinergic system, they have the potential to affect mental sharpness, including short-term memory. Other side effects include irritability, agitation, slurred speech, sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and increases sensitivity to alcohol.


MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIs)

MAOIs are sometimes used to treat panic attacks, although they are more typically used as a last-line-of-defense.

Because MAOI’s inhibit the catabolism of amines, in particular tyramine, taking they with certain foods can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as hypertensive crisis. There are several foods which must be avoided when taking MAOIs. These include, but are not limited to cheese, certain alcohols, beans, certain fishes and other meats, and bean pods.

SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIs)
SSRIs first became popular with the drug Prozac. It was subsequently discovered that SSRIs also have an anti-anxiety effect as well. SSRIs work by selectively blocking the uptake of only certain types of neurotransmitters called serotonin.

Potential side effects include nausea, insomnia, headaches, sexual difficulties and initial agitation.

Panic Disorder Resources


Panic Disorder Basics
The NIMH on Panic Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety Treatment

Worrying and Your Body