With a lot of people feeling stressed with the state of the economy, freaking out about their children and being safe, and having so many other stresses, it is not unnatural for them to begin developing anxiety. Furthermore, some people may develop a panic disorder as they become increasingly high strung with all the stress in their life. The big question that people ask, then, is how to cure it.

Treating naturally

Most of the time, if a person can recognize that they are beginning to have a panic attack, they can try to relax so that it doesn't become a full panic attack. Some basic relaxation techniques can help. Immediately relax your shoulder muscles when you feel the attack coming. Sit down and begin to tighten and relax the muscles in your body. Move from your left leg to your right leg, and then up your body though each muscle group. By tightening and then releasing, you take control of the muscles. This can relax the body, combating the panic attack. Slow down your breathing so that you are in control of it. Breathe in through your nose and then breathe out through your mouth. Finally, keep your hand on your stomach to feel how fast you are breathing. Controlling your breathing will further prevent a panic attack. If you can talk, you can breathe. Tell anyone around you that you are alright. Then you will know that you are able to breathe, which will prevent adding anxiety to the attack.

Treating medically

If natural methods don't work, and you are having consistent panic attacks, go to a psychiatrist and express your concerns. If you continue to have panic attacks, the psychiatrist might suggest selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Zoloft or Prozac, that will control the serotonin levels in your body. A psychiatrist might also suggest medication such as Valium and Xanax. Drugs such as these reduce panic attacks by 70 percent. The side effects, such as memory loss and sedation, can be a concern.

Avoid the Cause

If you are able to pinpoint the cause of your panic attacks, you can consciously avoid or work around it. If your panic attacks are caused by something that you have to experience in regular life, such as vehicles or other people, then this method will not work.

Source:

eMedicineHealth.com: Panic Attacks

National Institute of Mental Health: How to Get Help for Anxiety Disorders