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Wednesday, October 08, 2008 Dan asks

Q: I have had anxiety attacks panic attacks and general anxiety for 35 years. Whan can I do about it?

I have had panic attacks, anxiety attacks, anxiety for the past 35 years.   I have had treatment along with therapy, doctors, tried hyponsis and other treatments.  One I purchaced on tv, I cant remember what it was called.  Had an entire series on tape to listen to.  Still have anxiety anxiety panic.  What else can be done.  I'm still in therapy, to no avail I might say.  Also most of the seemingly hunderds of different drugs they have tried me on give me most of the side effects listed.  One even messed up my heart enzimes and put me in ICU.  Thanks Dan

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10/12/08 10:41pm

Dan - I empathize with you - having panic attacks for that many years must be incredibly daunting and disruptive to the quality of your life.  You don;t say how many years you have been in therapy and I wonder if during that therapy times you have done any "challenges" or behavior modification attempts since at the heart of panic attacks is the idea that if the situations that provoke it can be re-created so you can, in a safe place (therapist's office) deal with them - you may begin to be able to avert the heightened response.

I'd also recommend learning some calming techniques (breathing, meditation) so again, you can use these tools and behaviors right at the beginning of an attack.  I'm not to fond of buying TV infmmercial products, though once in awhile there are some that have merit.  Tapes that talk you through anxiety and even music therapy can certainly help though.  Finally, depending on how long you've been with this therapist, you may need to assess if you are making any progress, but that also means you do the homework you are assigned.

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10/25/10 7:43pm

I have also had Panic and Anxiety since 24..I am now 62.Also had similar treatments to yours.I have found taking Xanex AND exercising' keeps it in check.When I am negligent with exercise and socializing,I do not feel as well.

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