Natural Panic Attack Treatment

Anyone who's experienced a panic attack before knows just how terrifying they can be. People who suffer from panic disorder, who have frequent panic attacks, also understand how debilitating they can become. Panic and severe anxiety can result in a disruption of daily life that can lead to a downward spiral of isolation and depression.

Modern medicine has created several drugs to control panic attacks and depression. These drugs fall into several categories including MAOI's (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) and SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRI's such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, and Celexa are the most commonly prescribed.

While effective in most patients, antidepressant treatments usually come with a cost. Antidepressants are powerful prescription drugs that have negative side effects to many people that take them. Common side effects of SSRI's include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, weight gain, sedation, and sexual side effects. Antidepressants have even been linked to suicide in young patients.

Prolonged usage of antidepressants frequently result in a higher drug tolerance in patients leading to increased dosages to receive the same desired effect. Further, there is a risk of addiction to these antidepressants.

Fortunately, there are now effective natural panic attack treatment alternatives to antidepressants. They fall into two categories - cognitive behavioral therapy and natural dietary supplements.

Cognitive therapy involves the participation of a psychotherapist or psychiatrist who have one on one sessions with the patient. This approach focuses on changing the patient's thinking patterns and developing coping mechanisms such as slow breathing techniques. Patients learn how to detect faulty fight-or-flight response mechanisms within the body that are triggered during panic attacks.

The second category of natural panic attack treatments are dietary supplements. Natural dietary supplements offer effective treatment for panic attacks and depression without the risk of adverse side effects or possible addiction of antidepressants.

Natural herbal remedies have been used for centuries around the globe in many cultures to treat anxiety symptoms. There is now a growing trend towards more natural alternatives to powerful antidepressants. Natural herbs and vitamins can boost one's overall immune and nervous system creating more resistance to stress. Further, select supplements found in nature can be very effective to treat anxiety and panic attack symptoms.

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