Anxiety disorders can be treated with different medicines and most times the individuals suffering from anxiety respond well to drugs. However, medications alone cannot cure anxiety and hence a combination of various therapies is recommended to give long term relief. It is also noted that herbal remedies, aromatherapy, yoga, behavior therapy, relaxation techniques also help in relieving symptoms of anxiety. However, results are best achieved if medications are combined with certain relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Individuals suffering from generalized anxiety disorder are unable to live a normal life as severe symptoms affect their day-to-day activities. Such individuals are first treated with medications and then other therapies for long term relief are included. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is common and generally affects 1 in 50 individuals at some point in their lifetime. Young and middle aged women are more prone to GAD than men.

Several different types of medication are prescribed to help treat anxiety disorders. Some of the medicines are to be taken for a short duration while others have to be taken for prolonged period of time. The severity of the symptoms also dictates the line of treatment as well as the duration of treatment required. Medications address the physical symptoms while psychotherapy addresses the psychological problems that lead to GAD.

Anxiety medications can be broadly classified into short-term and long-term medications. Short-term medications are prescribed to give immediate relief from some of the very debilitating symptoms. Benzodiazepines are a class of sedatives that have proved very effective in treating anxiety; however, this type of medications cannot be used for prolonged periods due to its addictive properties. Benzodiazepines are generally not prescribed for more than four weeks as they start loosing their effectiveness if taken for a longer period. This medicine is prescribed to help individuals cope with severe symptoms in the initial stages of treatment. Like other medicines benzodiazepines also cause side effects such as loss of balance, drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss. The patient’s ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery is compromised and hence such activities are best avoided. If the severity of the side effects increases the dosage of benzodiazepines has to be reduced or alternate medicines prescribed.

Antihistamines are generally used to treat allergies and allergic reactions. However, due to the calming effect it has on patients, antihistamines are also prescribed to patients suffering from anxiety bouts. Antihistamines calm the brain and make patients feel less anxious. The most commonly prescribed antihistamine is hydroxyzine. Benzodiazepines and antihistamines are prescribed only for a few weeks. Antihistamines also cause several side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, headaches, and dizziness.

Some individuals suffering from GAD require a long term treatment to manage the symptoms of anxiety such individuals are prescribed with SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These are a form of antidepressants which increase the level of serotonin in the brain. It is a long-term treatment and it takes several weeks before the medicine starts working. Initially a small dose is administered and gradually increased as the body adjusts to the medicine. SSRIs also cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, excessive sweating, constipation or diarrhea, insomnia and reduced libido. Patients are advised to follow up with the physician every two weeks as not all patients respond favorably to antidepressants. Alternate SSRIs may be prescribed if there is no improvement in the symptoms. Patients are gradually weaned away from the medicines if the desired results are achieved. These medications are to be taken regularly unless stopped by the physician.

If patients do not respond to SSRIs and the level of anxiety remains the same or increases the physician may try a different type of antidepressant such as venlafaxine. This medicine belongs to another class known as SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. This medicine works by increasing chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Thus the balance of chemicals in the brain is restored. However, venlafaxine cannot be prescribed to patient’s who have high blood pressure, have had a recent heart attack or patients who may be at risk of cardiac arrhythmia. Side effects are similar to SSRIs. These are the medicines that are generally prescribed for anxiety other medicine such as buspirone is also helpful in alleviating the psychological symptoms. Buspirone belongs to the anxiolytics class of medicine and has to be taken for 4- 9 weeks before any improvements can be seen. Buspirone is non-addictive and can be safely taken for longer periods.

Beta blockers which are generally used to treat heart conditions have also proved helpful in reducing certain symptoms such as palpitations and excessive sweating seen in individuals suffering from anxiety.

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Anybody who has had to care for a chronically ill parent or child or has been audited by the IRS knows what stress means. In this highly competitive and increasingly globalized world, stress has become a part of our daily life. Unfortunately there several situations we face in our day-t- day life that cause stress. It is basically our body’s response to the different psychological and physiological incidents that upset our personal balance. When we face a threat to our physical or emotional stability our body responds by getting into a defensive mode and our heart starts beating faster, legs go weak, breathing rate increases and muscles tense up. This defense mechanism of the human body developed hundreds of thousand years ago when man was still a cave dweller. However, the modern society that we live in today much of the stress we feel is primarily caused as a response to psychological threats rather than physical. The most worrying fact about stress is that it stays even after the event responsible for it is resolved. Prolonged periods of stress has a very negative impact on the body and conditions such as heart disease, obesity, depression, migraines, memory loss, asthma, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc may arise or get aggravated.

Left untreated stress can cause severe damage, however there are several ways to manage stress and its effects. Stress management techniques, exercises, and medications have proved very effective in controlling stress. Modern medicine includes drugs which are tranquilizers, sleeping polls, or antidepressants. These drugs carry a significant risk of side effects. Individuals are advised against driving cars and operating machinery while undergoing drug therapy.

Natural herbs and alternative therapies to treat and manage stress are gaining in popularity and support all over the world. Though the benefits of herbs are known to mankind for more then five millennia, herbs were ignored for a better part of the last century by modern medical practitioners. Lack of scientific evidence was stated as the reason for not using herbs and natural remedies in treating many a medical conditions.

Herbs have proved very effective in managing and controlling stress and have tremendous following all over the globe. Certain herbs are natural stress relievers and have very little or no side effects. Herbal stress relief is a growing industry as more and more people are using natural stress relief techniques along with herbs for long lasting or permanent relief. Herbalists use a single herb or a combination of herbs in the treatment of stress. The oldest known herb used in relieving stress is Valerian while Kava Kava is the latest herb used in treating stress. Lets discuss a few herbs that are used in treating stress.

Valerian

This is the oldest herb used as a stress reliever. It finds mention in ancient texts of Ayurveda. The herb valerian relaxes the nervous system and induces sleep. It also has muscle relaxant properties and relieves tense muscles. This herb has a very calming influence on the individual and acts very much like the modern drug Diazepam. In women valerian reduces muscle cramps associated with menstrual cycles.

Kava Kava

This is the latest addition to list of herbs that are used in managing stress and anxiety. This plant is native to Indonesia and Polynesian islands. The natives of Indonesia used to serve drink laced with this herb when welcoming foreign dignitaries. Kava Kava as an herbal stress relief medicine comes in both pill and liquid form. The best part of this herb is that it relaxes the individual without affecting the mental alertness and the memory. Kava Kava relaxes the muscles, relieves stress and induces peaceful sleep.

Passion Flower

This herb is being used since ancient times and is used singly or in combination with other herbs. The flavinoids present in this herb act as anti oxidants and destroy the harmful oxygen ions in the body. This herb is widely used in reducing anxiety and relieving stress.

Catnip

This herb acts on the digestive and nervous systems. It has a calming effect on the brain and also helps in alleviating the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and peptic ulcer which are common symptoms associated with stress.

Scull Cap

This is a member of the mint family and grows in abundance in the eastern part of North America. This is a nerve tonic and helps in stabilizing the mood.

Chamomile

Individuals undergoing immense stress have low immunity. Chamomile boosts the immune system and also relieves gastrointestinal symptoms.

It is advisable to consult a qualified herbalist before taking any of these herbs. Self medication is harmful and may lead to complications.

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Anxiety disorder is not like the usual anxiety we feel in our day-to-day lives. It is the chronic and more exaggerated form of anxiety we feel when faced with a threatening situation. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorder have constant worry and tension of an impending doom. People are considered to be suffering from anxiety disorder when they constantly fear an impending disaster, are excessively worried about their as well as their family’s health, finances, and work. It is often very difficult to pinpoint the exact source of their worry. Every day is a challenge and the person is generally in a state of constant depression. Individuals suffering from anxiety disorder usually realize and appreciate that the anxiety they have is more than what the situation warrants but are somehow unable to relax and take things easy.

Individuals are diagnosed to be suffering from anxiety disorder if they are constantly anxious, and the anxiety is all-consuming and intense. The individual withdraws into shell and avoids contact with others and prefers a self imposed isolation. The individual finds it difficult to conduct normal everyday activities and avoids interaction with others.

Anxiety takes a heavy toll on the individual’s life and can lead to low self esteem, depression, and addiction to alcohol. It may also affect personal relationships. Fortunately, anxiety disorders can be treated and with professional help, medications and psychotherapy individuals can reclaim their life and move on.

Anxiety disorders can be classified into six types and are accompanied by the following symptoms.

GAD or Generalized Anxiety Disorder – in this the individual constantly worries of some impending disaster. Such people are pessimistic, constantly under tension, and may complain of physical ailments such as headache, fatigue and abdominal pain.

OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – this condition is very disturbing and the individual may feel uncontrollable urge to wash hands or be troubled by recurring worry that he or she forgot to turn of the fan, lights, or oven, etc.

Phobias – this is a condition in which the individual fears a specific activity or object. Fears of heights, lifts, escalators, spiders, insects, snakes etc are some of the common phobias.

Social Phobia – in this type of disorder the individual is fearful of being embarrassed, or humiliated in public. This disorder is sometimes wrongly interpreted as shyness. People suffering from social phobia generally avoid going to public places, parties, or other places where they have to interact with others.

Panic Disorder – in this type of disorder the individual gets panic attacks without any plausible reason. These attacks are frequent and may last for 15 to 30 minutes. Individuals suffering from panic disorder usually also suffer from agoraphobia and avoid visiting crowded places such as cinema halls, malls or crowded narrow streets.

Separation Anxiety – children generally feel anxious when separated from their parents and they react by crying. When this crying persists for a longer than usual time and starts affecting the normal activity it is considered as separation anxiety.

Anxiety disorders are treatable and individuals respond well to treatment that includes cognitive-behavioral therapy and medicines. Herbal medicines have also proved very effective when long-term treatment is required as herbal preparations have few or no side effects. However, it is recommended that herbal medicines should not be taken along with modern medicines unless supervised by a trained and qualified professional.

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In the present fast paced life, anxiety disorders are growing at an alarming rate. Approximately one in every ten American suffers from some form of anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorder may be explained as an acute feeling of fear accompanied with uncertainty of the future. The feeling can be aptly described as the same, that one feels for a brief period when encountered with a stressful event like a first stage performance or the first public speaking experience. However this anxiety takes the form of a disorder when this feeling is extremely acute and lasts for six months or more.

It has been found that in many cases anxiety disorders crop up along with some physical and mental disease. This accompanying disease does not give a clue to the underlying anxiety symptoms, leading to worsening of the situation. If left untreated anxiety disorders may take a serious turn and inhibit productivity leading to a less fulfilled life. The saving grace however is the fact that anxiety disorders have an almost 90% recovery rate if properly treated. This fact is also validated by the National Institute of Mental Health as they purport that this is the most treatable disorder.

Anxiety disorders are classified into six categories, namely:

1. OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder).

2. Panic Disorder.

3. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

4. Specific Phobias.

5.

GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder).

6. Social Anxiety Disorder.

Although each of these disorders has diverse symptomatic indications, the underlying symptom is the acute feeling of dread.

Anxiety disorders are usually treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. However the mode of treatment depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s preference. A detailed and careful evaluation of the case history of the patient will help in making the right diagnosis and in choosing the correct treatment. In case the patient is suffering from other physical or mental disease, then the treatment for the anxiety attacks must commence only after the accompanying disease is treated. The different types of treatments that are followed are enlisted below.

Counseling

Short-term anxiety disorders greatly benefit from counseling. This form of treatment helps to control the panic attack by discussing the problem and its causes. The certified counselor guides the patient to overcome fears and thus achieve results that benefit the patient.

Self Help

This is a popular way of treatment; it involves the use of relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga and Thai Chi. These techniques calm down the irrational fears. Exercises like brisk walks, jogging and workouts etc. help in relieving the internal stress. Communicating with people in support groups also helps in coping with the debilitating effects of anxiety.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This is a specialized form of psychotherapy performed by trained psychotherapists. The CBT entails evaluating the basis of thinking in the patient. This therapy aims to bring about a change in the thinking patterns that lead to the anxiety attack. This is followed by changing the behavior pattern and the reactions to certain situations incited by anxiety. For example patients with social phobia are taught to rise above the conviction that people are always judging or observing them. Once the readiness to confront the fearful situation is achieved then certain exposure techniques are taught in order to desensitize the patients from the triggering situations which often lead to the anxiety attack. This type of treatment is carried out only with the consent and willingness of the patient.

Medication

Most commonly used medicines in the drug therapy are sedatives, mostly benzodiazepine or its derivatives. These help in relieving stress related anxieties. Although benzodiazepine must be prescribed with caution as they are addictive in nature. Patients having panic disorder can however consume benzodiazepine for duration of about a year. Antidepressants are also used to treat GAD, OCD, depression anxiety and social phobia. Buspirone also helps combat anxiety; although it is not addictive it can cause dizziness, nausea and headache. Beta blockers are yet another type of medication that improves the physical indications of anxiety like tremors or palpitations although they do not provide relief to the psychological symptoms.

Prior to starting any medication, it is advisable to find out about the possible side effects. Care must be taken in following the dosage.

With appropriate treatment and remedial measures anxiety attacks can be dealt with effectively so as to help the patient reclaim a peaceful life, free from fears and threats.

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Anxiety is a normal feeling an individual experiences when faced with danger, threat, or when excessively stressed. Anxiety disorders are very common and affect countless people at any given time. However, some people are diagnosed with anxiety disorder when their level of anxiety reaches a level so extreme that it starts to interfere with their daily routine and significantly alters their daily life. Anxiety disorders affect the way people think, comprehend, feel, and behave. This condition if not treated promptly causes considerable distress and suffering to the person inflicted, as well as those around the person. Fortunately anxiety disorders can be effectively controlled and managed with the help of psychologists, general physicians, psychiatrists, counselors and social workers. Treatment includes medications, education and counseling to help the individual understand his or her behavior, emotions, and thoughts.

Social anxiety disorder affects millions of people all over the world. In fact as many as 15 million Americans are affected by social anxiety every year. Social anxiety disorder is the least understood anxiety disorder and is often confused with shyness. People suffering from social anxiety continuously feel that others judge everything they do in a negative way. They have low self esteem and believe that they are permanently flawed and worthless. Such people limit their activities like eating, drinking, speaking, or writing in front of others. In extreme cases people suffering from social anxiety may completely withdraw from public contact with others.

The exact cause of this disorder is still not known but it is widely believed that both psychological and biological factors are responsible. This kind of anxiety is also believed to run in families or individuals may learn anxious responses from their parents or other family members. Such individuals are extremely sensitive to criticism and generally shy away from social functions or situations. It is also widely believed that traumatic, stressful and insulting events in early childhood increase the possibility of individuals developing social anxiety later in life.

Several situations especially ones requiring social interaction such as parties, interviews, public speaking, group discussions or talking to strangers may trigger this disorder. Social anxiety may also be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain; chemicals such as serotonin regulate a person’s thoughts and feelings any imbalance in the level of serotonin also causes depression and anxiety.

Today there are plenty of medications available to treat this disorder. However, it is important to critically evaluate the symptoms to ascertain whether the individual is suffering from debilitative social anxiety or normal facilitative anxiety. Social anxiety is a treatable and manageable condition. Medical intervention that is drug based or non-drug based has proved helpful in most cases. Treatment that includes both approaches has been very successful and is very popular amongst medical professionals.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has also proved to be very effective in providing long-term relief to people suffering from social anxiety. Generally social anxiety responds well to short-term therapy; however, if the condition is severe it may take longer to produce long lasting or permanent relief.

Fortunately people suffering from social anxiety do not need years and years of treatment and 12 to 24 sessions with a trained therapist is all that is needed. For permanent relief from social anxiety, it is recommended that individuals stick to and practice the simple techniques and methods at home. Alternative medicines and therapies are also worth trying.

Most people with social anxiety can overcome it and lead a healthier and happy life.

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Feeling down and low is a normal situation faced by individuals many times in their lifetime. Life’s struggles and disappointments are a cause of grief and sadness most times this is transitory and over a period of time the feeling of pain and sadness dissipate and people move on with their lives. If feeling of sadness, low mood, loss of interest in daily activities, low self esteem and difficulty in concentration persists for a longer duration it can no longer be termed as normal. This condition is called depression.

Clinical depression is a serious medical condition that negatively affects how individuals feel, think and act. The individual’s capacity to function normally is seriously affected thus causing even more stress. Clinical depression is wrongly considered by many as a sign of weakness. It is in fact a depressive disorder very different from feeling sad or blue and individuals find it difficult to overcome. If left untreated this condition may last for weeks, months and years. The exact cause of why some people suffer from clinical depression and others don’t is still not clear. It is estimated that almost 20 million adults in the United States suffer from clinical depression every year, and that a quarter of the population will experience it some time during their lifetime. People of all ages, races, cultures, and religion are vulnerable to this medical condition.

Clinical depression presents with a variety of signs and symptoms. The number of symptoms may differ from person to person depending on the severity of the case. The symptoms can be broadly categorized into three types: emotional, physical, and behavioral.

Emotional Symptoms.

• Individuals feel sad and have a sense of hopelessness. They have a bleak outlook about the future and think nothing can be done to change or improve the situation.

• Individuals become very sensitive and may burst into tears for simple reasons or for no reason at all.

• Individuals may display strong feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

• Getting annoyed easily and giving a tongue lashing to near and dear ones.

• In case of severe depression individuals exhibit suicidal tendencies.

Physical Symptoms.

• A change in sleeping pattern is noticed in most cases. Individuals may oversleep (hypersomnia) or may sleep very little (insomnia) than before.

• Change in appetite is noticed. Individuals may gain excessive weight due to overeating or loose weight due to eating less than usual.

• Significant loss in energy levels. Individuals may feel tired and exhausted after performing small tasks.

• Individuals may complain of abdominal pain, headaches, joint pain, constipation, diarrhea and other conditions that cannot be explained or do not respond to conservative treatment.

Behavioral Symptoms.

• Individuals exhibit little or no interest in activities that were once extremely enjoyable like sports, hobbies, parties, sex, etc.

• Difficulty in remembering the most recent incidents, having trouble making decisions and poor concentration.

• Disinterest in personal hygiene and appearance.

Fortunately clinical depression is treatable and an approach that includes psychotherapy and medications help in overcoming this debilitating problem.

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Anxiety is a feeling of irrational fear and uneasiness; however, this feeling of anxiousness may be healthy and normal if felt in a mild form. But persisting anxiety with high intensity affects the daily routine completely disrupting the life, resulting in a full blown anxiety disorder.

The physiological symptoms of anxiety disorder include, pounding of the heart, dry mouth, pain in the chest, dizziness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, muscle tension, excessive perspiration, etc. These physical symptoms are accompanied by psychological symptoms such as poor concentration, irritability, and feeling worried and anxious all the time. Individuals feel depersonalized as well as detached from their surroundings. Keeping these varied symptoms in mind, it is advisable to get a correct diagnosis of the disorder and then proceed with the treatment.

Treatment for anxiety usually includes medication and psychotherapy; however, the side effects of the drug therapies have led professionals to explore natural remedies that are helpful in combating the disorder without any significant side effects leading to an improved lifestyle. Some of these alternative remedies are as follows

Passion Flower

Passion flower is a folk remedy used as a cure for insomnia and anxiety. Studies support the fact that passion flower brings about improvement in the anxiety levels and causes less drowsiness. It is recommended that passion flower should not be combined with sedatives.

Exercises

Physical exercise, like high intensity workout, brisk walk or jogging is helpful in relieving the mind from anxious feelings. They stimulate the system and promote positive feelings. Breathing exercises, Yoga, Tai chi, and meditation greatly reduce stress and lower the anxiety levels.

Massage Therapy

Different types of massages including shiatsu help in relieving muscle tension diminish stress and rejuvenate the body. This improves sleep and enhances the coping mechanism of the mind.

Herbal therapy

Kava Kava is a Polynesian herb and is known to have anti-anxiety effects. However, using kava kava to combat the effects of anxiety may increase the risk of liver damage. Valerian is another good herbal remedy for combating insomnia and mild anxiety. St. John’s Wort is yet another herb known to have anti-depressant quality. It acts like a natural SSRI i.e. it inhibits the uptake of the serotonin in the brain thereby inducing peaceful and calm feelings in the mind

Aroma Therapy

These are essential oils and infusers extracted from plants and flowers. They are added to massage oils or baths for decreasing nervous tension. Cypress, Jasmine, Lavender, Neroli, and rose extracts are used in this refreshing therapy to lessen anxiety.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins, Pantothenic acid, calcium and magnesium are also found to be effective in overcoming anxiety. Gama-aminobutyric acid is also considered effective in combating anxiety.

Apart from these natural remedies, it would be a good idea to follow a healthy routine and be alert to bodily requirements. Taking short breaks will not allow the built up of stress and anxiety. Decreasing the amount of caffeine in your drinks will enhance stress busting mechanism. The use of natural remedies proves to be very effective in lowering anxiety levels in the long run.

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Anxiety is one of the most common conditions that adults and the young experience many times in their lifetime. It is a feeling very similar to how one feels before an important exam or before undergoing a medical test for a potentially life threatening disease. However, feeling anxious is common as it is natural and affects almost all individuals. However, for some people the bouts of anxiety are frequent and affect their daily routine. Several conditions manifest themselves as anxiety. Several conditions such as phobias, panic attacks, or post traumatic syndrome can lead to severe anxiety. When an individual feels anxious about various issues and situations he or she is considered to be suffering from GAD or generalized anxiety disorder. In such individuals anxiety is not triggered by one event but by many events or perceived events. Women are more susceptible to anxiety than men. It is important to address this condition as it affects their day-to-day activities.

An individual suffering from anxiety needs to be treated both at the psychological and physical level. The psychological treatment works by removing negative beliefs and replacing them with positive beliefs. Individuals are also trained to identify and react positively to situations that can cause anxiety. Medications are also prescribed on short-term and long-term basis depending on the severity of the condition. Short-term medications are basically sedatives and antihistamines such as Benzodiazepines and hydroxyzine. Long-term medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), venlafaxine, and buspirone are prescribed. However, these drugs are addictive and can cause severe side effects and patients have to be monitored carefully. Individuals taking one or a combination of these drugs are advised not to drive and operate machinery thus affecting their daily routine and defeating the very purpose of the treatment.

Fortunately, anxiety can be treated by many natural herbs with fewer or no side effects. Symptoms of anxiety can be effectively dealt with a combination of different natural herbs. As with all medicines individuals react differently to herbs, and it takes some time to narrow down on the right combination and dosage. Individuals can have long-term relief without any debilitating side effects.

Passion flower is one such herb that is being used since ancient times to relieve pain and as a mild sedative. The earliest evidence found is that of the Aztecs using passion flower as a pain reliever and sedative. Today most herbal cures for anxiety include passion flower as it relieves muscle tension and has antispasmodic effects. It does not affect the respiratory rate or other mental functions. Apart from anxiety Passion flower is widely used to treat several conditions such as hyperactivity, epilepsy, insomnia, restlessness, and high blood pressure. It is nontoxic and non addictive.

Lemon balm leaves are also helpful in sharpening and stimulating the senses. It is a very useful nerve tonic that has soothing and calming effect. It is prescribed in many cases of nervous disorders arising out of stress. It helps individuals suffering from anxiety, sluggishness, depression, and fatigue. Apart from being nontoxic and non addictive it also has antiviral properties.

Lavender is used in many herbal remedies and perfumes and its benefits are well known since ancient times. The Romans first used lavender to prepare perfumed bathwater. Today lavender oil is used in perfumes and applied topically after dilution due to its therapeutic qualities. Lavender relaxes the nervous system and is a natural relaxant that calms down nerves.

Valerian is one more natural ingredient that is very popular amongst herbalists. This herb is native to Europe, West Asia and North America. This herb has muscle relaxing properties and is an excellent sedative. Symptoms such as muscle pain, cramps and muscle tension that are commonly associated to anxiety can be relieved by Valerian as it has antispasmodic qualities.

Many other herbs such as Kava kava, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Zizyphi seed, Catnip, St. John’s Wort, Bugleweed, and Chamomile are also used to treat anxiety. Herbs have proved very effective in reducing stress and it is the best nontoxic and non-addictive alternative treatment for chronic cases of anxiety.

A combination of herbs, psychotherapy, exercises and relaxation is recommended as the best way to treat anxiety.

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Every year about 17% to 20% of the American population suffers from anxiety disorder. Anxiety is an irrational and acute fear that is usually triggered by some stressful event. It may be called as the feeling of discomfort or unease, when faced with a demanding situation. Most people normally feel worried or anxious in the face of adversity and a mild level of anxiety is actually beneficial to elicit favorable results. However when this mild anxiety crosses the threshold and starts interfering with the normal life, it takes the form of an anxiety disorder. It is considered a problem only when the anxiety is prolonged and of a very high intensity.

One of the most common types of anxiety disorder is the Panic Disorder. It is characterized by severe anxiety leading to a panic attack. The panic attack is sudden and a terrifying experience for these patients. It is normally accompanied by palpitations and excessive perspiration. Patient feels chilled or flushed and a numb sensation may set in the body. Chest pain, nausea and headache may also be experienced. Panic attack also generates an irrational fear of losing control, a sense of uncertainty and unreality.

When the patient’s anxiety is so severe that it leads to a panic attack, the patient feels scared of his own physical symptoms thereby further increasing the intensity of the panic attack. For example the patient feels that it is a heart attack or it is the signal of an impending doom. Since the patient cannot predict the time and place of the next attack, they worry and fear the subsequent attack. The panic attack can strike any moment even during sleep, it reaches its peak intensity in about 10 minutes, although the symptoms may persist much longer. It is a fact that about 5 to 7 million of the American population suffers from anxiety that leads to a panic attacks. Women are more vulnerable to contracting this disorder.

If left untreated panic attacks disrupt normal life of the patient completely. Life may become so difficult for them that they may become home bound and worsen the situation even further. This type of condition may lead to severe phobias like agoraphobia or claustrophobia. The irony is that panic attacks respond well to treatment but most patients are not diagnosed timely in order to start treatment in the early stages. Panic attacks are frequently accompanied by other problems like alcoholism, drug abuse or depression.

The treatment to improve this condition of anxiety that leads to panic attacks includes medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and counseling. Usually a combination of treatment methods proves to be useful in curing this disorder. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline, fluoxetine, citalopram, etc., are commonly used to treat panic attacks. Tricyclics like imipramine and benzodiazepines like alprazolam and lorazepam are also useful in treating panic disorders. Cognitive therapy and counseling have proved to be beneficial in treating this type of anxiety; this approach finds out the root cause of the anxiety and then trains the individual to deal with it effectively.

Hence it is important to work out a treatment method that best suits the patient depending upon the personal preference and tolerance to the medications. Hence management of the anxiety is essential to prevent the panic attacks from disrupting life.

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