When Panic Attacks

Your Panic Plan continued...

During An Attack Sit tight If you're afraid you're going to faint, tense the muscles in your legs, arms, and gut until your face feels flush, about 30 seconds. This forces the blood up to your head, which can prevent you from passing out.

Distract yourself "Counteract the flood of negative thoughts by doing something familiar and comforting," Kiriakos says. "I've had patients sit in total silence or watch TV; one even tuned in to Howard Stern." Or, ridiculous as it might seem, start organizing. "Find some little piece of your environment that you can control," Boss says. "Even something as simple as straightening up the hangers in your closet or organizing your desk can help keep you grounded."

As a last resort, go to the ER It's unlikely that you're having a heart attack or stroke, but if you absolutely can't shake the belief that something's terribly wrong, ask someone to take you to the hospital, where a doctor can reassure you and treat you with anti-anxiety meds if he or she thinks they'll help.

When It's Over Don't be a trouper "The goal is to keep yourself from becoming preoccupied by the attack and to return to your usual activities as soon as possible," Kiriakos says. That said, it's okay to take some time before you jump back into work or whatever situation you were in when the attack occurred. "It's normal for mild anxiety to linger for a day or two," Kiriakos says. But if you're still upset after three days, ask your doctor whether you could benefit from seeing a therapist.

See your doctor Always check in with your regular physician after an attack and describe your symptoms precisely. He or she will quiz you on your medical history and current health to determine whether the attack was triggered by a health problem.

Uh-oh, Not Again

When panic attacks won't stop

Full-blown panic disorder, which is marked by a persistent fear of having further attacks, is believed to be caused by an inherited deficiency of serotonin, the brain chemical that stabilizes your mood and gives you a feeling of well-being. Four years ago, researchers determined that people with panic disorder have fewer of a certain kind of serotonin receptor--by up to 30 percent. (Individuals who have isolated panic attacks may also lack serotonin, but scientists have yet to prove it.) Though Panic Disorder can be debilitating, know that "it's also one of the most treatable mental disorders out there," Reid Wilson, Ph.D., says. "Cognitive-behavioral therapy alone or combined with antidepressants can reduce or prevent panic attacks in 70 to 90 percent of sufferers, often in a matter of weeks or months."

Originally published on March 1, 2008

Related Links:

• 60-Second Health Fixes
• Best Over-the-Counter Drugs
• Am I Normal?
• Rock Hard Abs in 20 Minutes
• Create Your Own Workout

Previous Page  [1] [2] [3] [4]