Posted by amy_oz on October 14, 2003, at 23:44:02
In reply to Re: Benzos - Dr. Bob - too contoversial ?, posted by cares4 on October 12, 2003, at 22:54:59
Hi,
It is possible to stop having panic attacks. The problem is once you're in the cycle is how to come out again. Have you tried behaviour therapy for the panic attacks? I worked with an axiety therapist for my panic attack problems. THe way it works is that you slowly, carefully and deliberately place yourself in an environment that induces panic attacks. You do this with the therapist with you. (like they do with phobias) You then gradually build on this and over time you can gain confidence about triggering situations.Another thing to note is that you can't have a full blown panic attack if you are breathing properly. Learn how to breathe through your diaphragm. each breath you take breathe out for slighlty longer than the breath in.
When you have an attack try walking at the same pace as normal breathing and try and get your breathing to match using the technique I just mentioned. It does take some practice. Also try singing as you are doing it as singing forces you to breathe more steadily (thats if you know how to sing!)
It took me one month to stop having panic attacks and I was entirely symptom free with out medication.
This may not be enough for everyone so.....
Other medications to try are the atypical antipsychotics, They work really well for anxiety and are very safe at low doses over a few years. Zyprexa and Seroquel are good.
Good luck
Amy
poster:amy_oz
thread:9160
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031010/msgs/269526.html