Today, Charles Linden operates a private practice helping people to recover from
anxiety disorders and panic attacks with centers located in Florida and London.
Read his story on how he managed to overcome his own severe anxiety disorder.
Read the true story of permanent cure of anxiety disorder.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
What one can do about GAD?
A proper diagnosis from doctor or an anxiety specialist is a must. Once a proper course of treatment has been determined, there are additional resources available that may help you through this trying time.
Join a support group or online forum. Others' stories about their own experience can be a source of comfort. The most important thing after one was diagnosed with GAD is to take the first step toward treatment.
If you have panic disorder, you feel suddenly terrified for no reason. These frequent bursts of terror are called panic attacks. During a panic attack, you can also have physical symptoms like a fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness. Do you have sudden bursts of fear for no reason? Consider some of the following symptoms:
· chest pains or a racing heart
· difficulty breathing or a choking feeling
· dizziness or excessive sweating
· stomach problems or feeling like you need to vomit
· shaking, trembling, or tingling
· feeling out of control
· fear that you are dying or going crazy
Tell your doctor if the panic attacks keep you from doing everyday things and living your life. Ask for a checkup to make sure you don't have another illness.
This information is provided by the National Institute Mental Health (NIMH).
The science bit on anxiety disorder by NIMH "Several parts of the brain are key actors in a highly dynamic interplay that gives rise to fear and anxiety. Using brain imaging technologies and neurochemical techniques, scientists are finding that a network of interacting structures is responsible for these emotions. Much research centers on the amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep within the brain. The amygdala is believed to serve as a communications hub between the parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts that interpret them. It can signal that a threat is present, and trigger a fear response or anxiety. It appears that emotional memories stored in the central part of the amygdala may play a role in disorders involving very distinct fears, like phobias, while different parts may be involved in other forms of anxiety."
There is no single magic bullet for overcoming general anxiety disorder. Successful treatment regimens for GAD usually include anxiety management techniques, relaxation techniques and behavior/ cognitive therapies.
Simple relaxation techniques and physical exercise can sometimes help to reduce the symptoms assciated wiht GAD. the choice of therapy depends on the patient's needs.
This surprisingly useful and informative article from the web site of National Institute of Mental Health gives an overview of the symptoms and types of anxiety disorder and panic attacks and the treaments available.
The article - helps to identify the symptoms of anxiety disorders, - explains the role of research in understanding the causes of these conditions, - describes effective treatments, - helps to learn how to obtain treatment and work with a doctor or therapist, and - suggests ways to make treatment more effective.
The anxiety disorders discussed are - panic disorder, - obsessive-compulsive disorder, - post-traumatic stress disorder, - social phobia (or social anxiety disorder), - specific phobias, and - generalized anxiety disorder.
This is a great web site by Dr. Marlene Steinberg, author of THE STRANGER IN THE MIRROR: DissociationThe Hidden Epidemic. This is the questionnaire at the web site to help others to identify symptoms of depersonalization:
There is no single bullet for overcoming anxiety disorder, panic attacks and phobias, but there are ample inspiring stories of how one managed a permanent cure...
