Goodbye to Panic Attacks

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What causes anxiety and panic attacks? At this moment,the exact cause is unknown but current theory suggests that there could be a hereditary factor, and that other factors may be involved. Things like lifestyle, personal development, diet, upbringing, personality characteristics are some of the ideas that are put forward.

What is known is that there is a mental side and a physical side to anxiety. The mental side refers to the feelings of discomfort, worry, terror that people may experience. The physical side refers to the body changes such as increased pulse rate, various aches and pains, nausea and stomach upsets, etc.

This uncertainty has given rise to different theories on how to treat anxiety and panic attacks – which are often influenced by the professional’s own training.

We can divide these different theories into 3 broad groups. The Pro Chemical Imbalance theorists, The Anti Chemical Imbalance theorists and the Mind/Body theorists which fit in between the other two groups.

On the physical side, the scientists think that there is a part of the brain responsible for anxiety and panic attacks – which is a system of nerves called the limbic system.

Let me explain. Many members of the medical fraternity who have learned to treat “illnesses” with drugs see anxiety and panic attacks resulting from some failure inside the brain. The way the brain operates is very complicated but includes electrical circuits and exchanges of chemicals and hormones which affect the functioning of the body in various ways. In addition the amount of interconnections between the brain nerve cells (neurons) is part of the story.

The reason doctors like to recommend medication is because they have found that by using drugs to alter the brain chemistry, the “patient” can feel better.

The common classes of drugs which are used are “anti anxiety” drugs which relieve the anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. The list includes drugs such as Xanax, Ativan or Valium. Also called benzodiazepines, they act fast making them very effective if they are used as an emergency drug during a panic attack or an overwhelming anxiety episode. They are also prescribed as sleeping pills and muscle relaxants.

Tranquilizers and antidepressants (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) .are also prescribed to be given as an ongoing treatment. The thinking behind this medication is that it makes life easier for the sufferer and hopefully over time the problem will correct itself and disappear.

Other theories about chemical imbalances include too little of some chemicals, too much of others, etc.

However many doctors and psychiatrists today see a downside in medication in that it can become addictive very quickly and there can be difficult withdrawal problems.

Secondly, these drugs can also have unpleasant side effects such as depression, nausea, stomach upset, impaired thinking and judgment, memory loss, blurred or double vision forgetfulness and others.

Thirdly, when you medicate someone you may be overlooking underlying issues that need addressing. Thus the chances are that a short term benefit may not translate into a long term cure.

The belief that that anxiety is a medical problem and that therefore it can and should be treated with medication is giving way to a more holistic view. Medication may be useful at appropriate times, but may not provide a lasting solution.

Part 2. The Anti Chemical Imbalance theorists.