I know someone that is being treated for panic attacks associated w/ an anxiety disorder.

Currently, they have been taking Zolfot for about 8 years. However, I have known this person for about 3 years. I have found that over the past 3 years, this person has changed significantly.

All of the issue they are having, happen to be side effects of Zolfot. This includes weight gain, drowsiness, a general lack of energy and interest and (from what I've heard) a lack of sexual desire.

I suggested this person stop taking the medication, but they are scared the panic attacks might start again.

I don't blame them. However, is there anyway that a person can be treated w/ a different medication.

Also, is there anyway a person can receive treatment for anxiety disorders and panic attacks through working w/ a therapist?

Hi, sorry to hear your friend is getting panic attacks. If he/she want to eliminate panic attacks tell them to take the following steps.

1.Breathe properly. If you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Try Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can take a course for free online at: livinglifetothefull.com It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource…

Best of luck to you both.

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I really think I have this, but everyone tells me it's all in my head or to get over it, or i'll "grow out of it".

I can assure you that anxiety is not something that is in your head or that you will outgrow and it is not just a phase. I have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for nearly 9 years. Some symptoms are feeling anxious and nervous, rapid heartbeat, feeling faint or dizzy, hot or cold flashes, shaking, clammy hands, feeling like you want to get out of the sitsuation, fear of being in public places or around large groups of people

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I want to know if there are any other “cures” for anxiety attacks besides exercising, and using drugs. I know therapy is supposed to help too, but anything else besides those things?

Anxiety is self-created.

Nobody imposes anxiety. It is neither inherited.

It is you, who have loaded heavy anxiety on your small head. Unknowingly you must have added the weight slowly. Now the weight is more and unbearable. You should now know how to unload that weight of anxiety. Unloading is also to be done slowly and steadily. It cannot be done overnight.

Analyze how you have loaded this anxiety on your body. This anxiety comes due to unnecessary, unwanted and undeserving desires which we start developing. When the desire is not getting fulfilled, one gets frustration. Frustration leads to worry. Worry leads to anger. Anger leads to indecision or wrong decisions. One becomes restless. Mind becomes stressed. One does not get proper sleep. Then we try several methods to come out of it. We commit more mistakes by thinking that drugs and alcoholic drinks may reduce the tension. Sleeplessness leads to mental functioning getting affected. Mental upset, mental disorder. Our efficiency goes down. Our effectiveness goes down. Our memory weakens. More and more anxiety comes. We become a laughing stock before others. We take loans and we are not able to pay back in proper time. Family is worried and affected.

Can you now please see what is the origin of this anxiety. Cut the source now itself. Then only you can come out of this trouble.

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What is the best way to deal with anxiety and panic attacks,especially during pregnancy?

Quit whining and take your Midol Scott!

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I started having chest pains about 1 1/2 years ago. after an EKG, echocardiagram and wearing a 24 hour heart monitor, everything was normal and they said its anxiety. 1 1/2 later I still have chest pains. Is there any reason to get a stress test? No, I havent really "fixed" my anxiety-I went on meds but went into a depression along with my anxiety so I stopped taking them. I have delt with it in some ways and do not feel as anxious or nervous but still somewhat. Im 33 and 30 lbs overweight. out of shape and I know its stupid but Im scared if I excersice I will have a heart attack. what to do…

if all the pathological and ECG reports are normal then nothing to worry about..
yes ,your doctor is right the pain of chest is only from your anxiety, anxiety can cause pain in any conner of your body from head to feet (not only chest) and even all along the whole body
the symptoms you have mentioned reveal that you are probably suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder associated with secondary mild depression
it can be treated with proper medicines and also with some psychotherapies,consultancy,group theraphy,meditations.etc.
Never stop your prescribed medicines,if you feel some side-effects inform it to your doctor
You need to consult a psychairtist /psychotherapies for reducing your anxiety and panic you developed in your mind of something like "suffering from heart diseases" or "heart attacks"..etc. thru medicines as well as consultancies,group therapies and meditation if necessary.

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how do i handle social anxiety disorder with panic attacks? how are you supposed to handle any social situation with this disorder?

The main way to combat social anxiety disorder, as with most, if not all, of the anxiety disorders is utilising Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) (and in combination with meds is usually a good idea at first too).

Exposure therapy basically works like this.. You think of a list of situations which make you anxious.. You rate them in terms of how anxious they make you feel from best - worst.. and then you work on them ,starting at the least anxiety provoking, you start to do those things- this may be asking a stranger for the time, right up to asking someone if they'd like to go to a movie with you..etc.. And basically you complete these tasks, you feel the anxiety and you also realise that the anxiety fades with time, until you are desensitised.

Utilise this in combination with CBT - that is looking at you rthoughts - why do you feel anxious abt social situations?

Social situation –> thought —> Response (anxiety)

So if you can alter the thought to a more functional thought, you can also alter the response, so it is no longer anxiety.

i.e. I see a good looking guy -> he will think I am stupid if i tlak to him –> anxiety and avoidance..

v.s.

I see him –> what have i got to lose talking to him, who cares what he thinks, he's not worth it if he judges so fast –> calm enough to talk to him…

That is in it's most simplistic terms.. If your Social Anxiety is really a huge issue and impacting on your life then consider seeing a Psychologist to work on it - and you'll probably utilise the techniques above.

Good luck!!

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I just bought some crystal light green tea and have been drinking tons of it. All the sudden my anxiety has returned?? Has anyone else experienced this?

I am not sure about birth control, but drinking too much green tea can cause anxiety because of its caffeine content.

Below is an extract from the first link:

Caffeine intolerance is the most common cause of green tea side effects.

Green tea contains about half the amount of caffeine found in coffee, so moderate consumption of green tea is unlikely to cause problems for the majority of people.

For those who are sensitive to caffeine, here are symptoms to watch out for:

* restlessness

* irritability

Those with psychological disorders, especially anxiety or panic disorders, should drink green tea cautiously.

Those with overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, should also exercise caution.

For some guidance on how much to drink, read the second link.

Drink moderately (3 to 6 cups) and see if the problem go away.

I hope it heps.

Julian

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Will shark cartilage provide relief from social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, depression?

In years past, I have seen numerous info commercials claiming shark cartilage is the cure all to everything. Before I spent my money, I investigated/researched the claims reading medical studies on the use of shark cartilage and found no medical evidence it does anything but drains your bank account. I'm sorry that is not the answer you were looking for but have a wonderful holiday season anyway!

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I work in an office and everyday I seem to get these reocurring symptoms for no reason at all it normally starts in the afternoon my heart starts racing and I get dizzy with a heavy headache which makes my eye sight poor and makes my clumsy. This is turn makes my irritable. What is this and why if there is no reason behind it should I get it my job isn’t stressful?

Your symptoms first need to be checked out by a medical doctor to rule out any physical causes.

If there are no apparent physical causes, it is likely that the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by anxiety. Sometimes anxiety can happen without any identifiable cause. The fact that your symptoms occur in the afternoon suggests that there may be a physical cause (like hypoglycemia) or a pattern that your body has been conditioned into.

If your symptoms are indeed caused by anxiety, you might find that relaxation techniques and calming self-talk are quite effective (see links below for information).

An excellent book on anxiety is “When Panic Attacks,” by David Burns. It describes several techniques for decreasing anxiety. I highly recommend this book.

I have included some links to my website for more information on anxiety symptoms and using relaxation to decrease stress and anxiety. On the relaxation downloads page there is a relaxation audio script entitled “Relaxation to Relieve Anxiety” that might be helpful for you.

Hope this helps!

Candi

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I have social anxiety. It stems from an inferiority complex. Can you suggest some books for shyness and self-confidence?

Well if your anxiety is reaching the point where you are having anxiety or panic attacks I highly recommend "Hope and Help for your Anxiety" by Dr. Claire Weeks, it's an oldie but a goodie. As far as dealing with shyness and self confidence issues you might seek something about assertiveness or a book by Elain Aron, a handbook for people who are highly sensitive. It may sound odd but it does address a lot of issues related to social situations and how we perceive ourselves and others. There are a bunch of exercises in the book which I personally felt were helpful. Best of luck to you.

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