There are several ways a person can reduce the intensity of emotional reactions to stress. The first step is to learn to care for the body by learning relaxation methods, therapeutic meditation, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough regular exercise. The second step is learning to cope with emotional distress which includes simple breathing exercises, re-educating the nervous system so that it will not automatically respond with anxiety to a specific object or place, achieving control through relaxed awareness, communicating assertively, cultivating inner freedom, and maintaining a realistic and positive self-concept.

Less than a quarter ever get appropriate treatment. For those who do, the prognosis is excellent. Ninety percent either improve significantly or recover completely. In the majority of cases, one of the family of drugs called the tricyclic antidepressants will relieve the problem of panic attacks. Many victims of this disorder also live in a constant state of fear of the attacks themselves, and brief treatment with anti-anxiety drugs may be helpful. Behavior therapy and relaxation therapy in particular may be useful in eliminating the symptoms.

After having panic disorders for nearly 30 years, I decided that I had to do something. I went to a Neurologist and he put me through a series of tests to check my heart, my brain, and my blood count. When these tests came out okay, he diagnosed me as having panic disorders and recommended a Psychiatrist for me. This was the first step on my way to recovery.