Believe it or not, everyone suffers anxiety attacks from time-to-time, because this is actually a normal physical response of our body to potential danger, often called the fight-or-flight reflex. When this happens, our respiration and heart rate increases, deliver greater volumes of blood to our muscles, and we become hyper-sensitive to our surroundings.
It's also a perfectly normal emotional response for example, when preparing to take a test, giving a speech, etc., which we sometimes refer to as having "butterflies" in our stomachs. If that's the case, then why do we need a cure for anxiety attacks in the first place?
For those suffering from what are called anxiety or panic disorders, these normal responses are being artificially triggered, often through an existing medical condition such as Thyroid Disorder or Diabetes. In other cases, medications like steroids, hormones and decongestants can also trigger or manifest symptoms of anxiety. Therefore it's important to consult with a physician to rule out these types of issues and treating anxiety attacks as a symptom of an emergent medical problem rather than a disorder.
What's left are several major types of anxiety disorders which, while not curable, may be successfully treated in a number of ways, ensuring good quality of life for the patient. Medications for the treatment of the various anxiety and panic disorders should be discussed with your primary caregiver and monitored closely. Meanwhile, there are a number of non-medication related steps you may take to reduce the frequency and severity of your panic attacks.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of sleep are vital to controlling anxiety as are the reduction or elimination of caffeine and alcohol. Routine meditation and physical relaxation techniques have also been shown to reduce the frequency anxiety attacks caused by stress. The use of "over-the-counter" medications should also be discussed with your doctor as these can trigger anxiety attacks as well.
Another non-medication option for controlling anxiety is through Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT. Usually taking 12 to 20 weeks of individual and group therapy sessions, CBT is designed to help you change maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors.
Most importantly of all, establish a good support system with family and friends who are willing to learn about, understand and help you to avoid the emotional and physical triggers causing your anxiety attacks. While certainly not a cure, you needn't allow anxiety attacks to control your life!
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