A:
|
We look at what type anxiety one is suffering from. With brain imaging
using SPECT scans, we can see different areas of the brain and how they are
affected when someone is experiencing panic. This does mean that one has
to go get a brain scan to see. We know have clusters of symptoms.
When the cingulate gyrus is affected, we see a person suffering from obsessive
thinking, worries, and difficulty letting go of things. They tend to be
neat and orderly. This pattern of anxiety rarely has panic attacks, but
they feel very nervous. Certain medications like prozac, paxil, serzone,
and tend to help. If one wants a more natural route, one could take 5HTP
(5-hydroxy tryptophan), inositol, and St. John's Wort (hypericum). Using
distraction therapy and helping people let go of the thoughts is a very
important skill in dealing with cingulate gyrus type of anxiety. When people
suffer from panic disorder and panic attacks, the basal ganglia in the brain are
overactive. People respond well to stress and relaxation exercises.
Recordings of the relaxation exercise are made during your session and put on CD
or tape and they are yours to keep and use at home. Sometimes for
immediate relief we have you work with your doctor on the limited use of
anti-anxiety medicines. They work on a short term basis, but because they
are habit forming long term use is not encouraged. Changing ones beliefs
is very helpful in making lasting changes in reducing and eliminating panic
disorder.
|
