Anxiety Attack Symptoms - Dealing with General Anxiety Attacks

Fear is natural. It is something that everyone deals with and can even be a healthy emotion when warranted. It’s when fear gets out of control and becomes an obsession or when someone suffers excessive fear for no valid reason that it becomes a problem that can turn into a panic or anxiety disorder. For some tips on how to deal with anxiety, read on.

My anxiety manifests as a tightness in my chest. like I have the fight or flight response for no reason. Then I get a scary out of control feeling in my head. What am I afraid of??? Nothing and everything. Chicken little the sky is falling! Doom and gloom! My mind just starts obsessing over every little thing and I become consumed with fear and these racing, repetitive thoughts take over.

So what can you do? If the anxiety is debilitating and affects your daily life - seek professional help. There are a variety of anti-anxiety medications and anti-depressants that can help. If you’ve tried anti-depressants and they didn’t work, then possibly an adjunctive medication like Abilify added to an SSRI could help.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that approximately 1 in every 5 adults suffer with from a fear-related disorder. Here are some quick facts:

· 18.8 million American adults will suffer from depression this year
· 9.1 million American adults have an anxiety disorder
· 5.2 million American adults will experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder this year
· 2.4 million American adults will experience a panic disorder this year

Here are some self-help articles I found about managing fear and anxiety.

• Managing Your Persistent Fears And Anxieties
• Managing Your Fearful And Obsessive Thoughts
• When Your Fears And Depression Have The Best Of You
• Managing Your Fears With The Help Of God
• Managing Your Every Day Stresses And Anxieties
• Finding The Answers In Managing Your Fears And Anxieties
• Alcohol And Substance Abuse Will Not Take Away Your Fears
• When Someone You Know Struggles With Fear And Anxiety
• A Review Of Techniques In Managing Your Depression
• Managing The Fear Of Loneliness
• Fame, Money, And Success Will Not Take Away Your Fears
• Facing The Fear And Anxiety Of The Unknown

Provigil (Modafinil) for Depression and Weight-loss?

Wish you could pop a pill that would give you more energy, boost your mood/overcome depression, improve your memory and help you lose weight - all at the same time? Provigil (Modafinil) sounds like a wonder drug to me and I’d love to try it. Too bad it’s not approved for any of the above uses. Right now it’s only approved for excessive sleepiness associated with treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), or with shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) or narcolepsy.

I wonder if Provigil (Modafinil) will ever be approved as an adjunct to anti-depressant therapy? Some studies have been done showing it can be effective as a mood brightener. Many people suffering from depression also have severe fatigue and can’t get out of bed or enjoy life, so could certainly use an energy boost.

Several studies have been done on Modafinil as an augmentation for antidepressant treatment… but I don’t believe it’s FDA approved for this use yet, so it’s difficult to get insurance to cover it and Provigil is very expensive.

I’m intrigued by the fact that some consider it a smart drug, so I wonder if it could give us boomers a cognitive boost too. See: Is modafinil ( Provigil ) a smart drug ? and A Dose Of Genius - washingtonpost.com

Last but not least, studies on modafinil indicate that it has an appetite reducing/weight loss effect. Sounds like the perfect anti-depressan to me. More energy, weight-loss - instead of gain and mood enhancement all in one med. I’m going to ask my psychiatrist about it.

Brain Fog, Memory Problems and those Senior Moments

Misplaced car keys?  Forgetting words? Losing your train of thought?  Whether you call it brain fog, spaciness or flippantly refer to it as a senior moment - it’s irritating and can be debilitating. Regardless of what you call it, feeling like you are literally losing your mind is no fun at all!

Forgetfulness and memory problems increase with age and are associated with older people. However as the article states below, memory and cognitive function peaks at 22 and begins to decline at age 27. 
Old age begins at 27: Scientists reveal new research into aging

Many things can have an effect on brain function and create a sense of spaciness. Stress can feel like it’s literally eating your brain. Illness can affect mental capabilities, for instance brain fog is very common in fibromyalgia sufferers.

One product I’ve tried that seems to help make me feel more mentally alert is Neuro Optimizer by Jarrow. I just ordered a new product called MindRX by Advance Physician Formulas. I’ll let you know if that seems to work any better. One other product I just started taking is Ashwagandha which in studies has been shown to boost cognitive function. Here is some info.

Ashwagandha and brain health

“Ashwagandha is used in India to treat mental deficits in geriatric patients, including amnesia. Researchers from the University of Leipzig in Germany wanted to find out which neurotransmitters were influenced by ashwagandha herb… The researchers say, “The drug-induced increase in acetylcholine receptor capacity might partly explain the cognition-enhancing and memory-improving effects of extracts from ashwagandha observed in animals and humans.”

A study done in 1991 at the Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center indicated that extracts of ashwagandha had GABA-like activity. This may account for this herb’s anti-anxiety effects.

A 2002 laboratory study indicates ashwagandha extract stimulates the growth of axons and dendrites. A 2001 study in rodents showed ashwagandha extract had memory boosting ability. A 2000 study with rodents showed ashwagandha extract to have anti-anxiety and anti-depression effects.”

Fibromyalgia Pain and Depression Treatment with Antidepressants

Fibromyalgia sufferers know that depression usually goes hand in hand with the pain and suffering of the condition. Here is some information about new studies that show the effectiveness of certain antidepressants on fibromyalgia symptoms.

Antidepressants vs. Fibromyalgia

“Researchers examined 18 studies involving 1,427 fibromyalgia patients taking different classes of antidepressants, including low doses of tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

The researchers used a standardized model to assess the effectiveness of the medications on common fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain, sleeplessness, fatigue, and depressed mood.

Among the major findings: More…

FDA Issues Warning about 28 Dangerous Diet Pills

If a diet supplement sounds too good to be true, it probably is… and could even be dangerous to your health. If you need help losing those extra Holiday pounds, be careful what you take. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for almost 30 weight-loss products that contain unlisted and possibly dangerous ingredients, including high doses of a powerful anti-obesity drug, as well as a suspected carcinogen. Most of the diet pills appear to be coming from China. They are mainly sold over the Internet.

The dangerous diet supplements include: Fatloss Slimming, 2 Day Diet, 3x Slimming Power, 5x Imelda Perfect Slimming, 3 Day Diet Japan Lingzhi, 24 Hours Diet, 7 Diet Day/Night Formula, 7 Day Herbal Slim, 8 Factor Diet, 999 Fitness Essence, Extrim Plus GMP, Imelda Perfect Slim, Lida DaiDaihua, Miaozi Slim Capsules, Perfect Slim, Perfect Slim 5x, Phyto Shape, ProSlim Plus, Royal Slimming Formula, Slim 3 in 1, Slim Express 360, Slimtech, Somotrin, Superslim, TripleSlim, Zhen de Shou, Venom Hyperdrive 3.0

FDA warns against some diet pills sold on the Web

“Nearly all of the pills contain sibutramine, a powerful appetite suppressant that’s a chemical cousin of amphetamines. It can cause heart attacks, strokes and heart palpitations, especially in people with a history of high blood pressure or heart problems… FDA testing found that some of the diet pills contain nearly three times the recommended daily dose.

Several of the pills contain phenolphthalein, a chemical long used as a laxative, but which is now being withdrawn from the market because of cancer risks.

None of the supplements lists the dangerous ingredients on the label.”

Pain is my Friend

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Pain is my friend. He’s with me almost all the time…  He’s so familiar, he’s almost part of me.

I figure why fight pain? So I try to make it a good thing. Acceptance is good right? Maybe it will make the pain easier to deal with.

Sometimes when pain leaves me it feels odd, like an important part of me is missing. Often, I even miss him when he’s gone. Because feeling pain is better than feeling nothing at all.

OK sorry, now I’m being depressing. Knock it off!!!

Back on a more positive note, I do think trying to make friends with your pain is better than fighting it.

It’s like that irritating relative you can’t stand to be in the same room with, but you have to be because it’s Christmas so you have to be nice. If you can get to a place of tolerance, let their rude comments just roll off your back instead of fighting them, it’s easier. Less friction. Acceptance is good right? Maybe it will make the jerk easier to deal with.

So that’s the lesson for today. Accept your pain. Make it your friend. Don’t fight it!

Sugar Addiction - Research Shows Sugar is Addictive

Sugar is addictive? Well I could have told you that and I’m not even a Princeton scientist! I definitely have a problem with sugar but it’s the opposite of most people. Instead of making me hyper it crashes me out.  I feel like I’m allergic to it, yet I crave it. Very much like some people describe their addiction to alcohol.  In fact sugar binges have replaced alcohol binging in many recovered alcoholics.

When I have a sugar binge I get a bit of a high and can feel my brain chemistry change. According to the research below, I guess it’s the dopamine. Dopamine is a “feel good” brain chemical and is even behind compulsions like gambling, smoking and binge eating. If you ever feel like you ‘NEED’ another fix… of ANYTHING, dopamine is probably at work, training you like Pavlov’s dog that you need more.

Are you a sugar addict too???

Bart Hoebel and researchers in the department of psychology and the Princeton Neuroscience Institute did research that suggests or maybe even proves that sugar is an addictive substance and it affects rats similarly to how drugs and alcohol impact humans.

Sugar addiction in rats may shed light on human behavior

“In certain models, sugar-bingeing causes long-lasting effects in the brain and increases the inclination to take other drugs of abuse, such as alcohol,” Hoebel explained in a University statement. He said that the behavioral study was carried out in addition to a neuroscientific approach, in which he and his team observed the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in reward motivation. Repeated release of dopamine, which precipitates a rewiring of the rats’ brain, is believed to cause addiction.”

Anxiety Disorders - Anxiety Medications

Anxiety and fear are often used to describe the same thing. When the word “anxiety” is used to describe mental illness it’s typically referred to as an anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety. In this context it refers to an overriding emotional tension or feeling of fear and dread that has no apparent identifiable cause. Anxiety disorders include phobias, panic attacks, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), social anxiety disorder and post traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety disorders often are accompanied by depression and can be severe enough to interfere with social interaction or can affect job performance. Physical symptoms can include racing or hard beating heart, perspiration, shakiness, feeling hyper or jittery similar to a caffeine rush. Emotionally, anxiety can make you feel scared, immobilized, stuck and make it difficult to concentrate, like your brain chemicals are going haywire. In a sense they are. That’s what anxiety does it causes your brain chemicals to be imbalanced and unstable.

Common anxiety medications a Dr. may prescribe include Lexapro, Celexa, Paxil, Klonopin, Zoloft, Prozac, Valium and Zanax. Behavorial therapy and psychotherapy are often advised. There are also some natural remedies such as homeopathics and herbal supplements that some people say can give some relief.

Resveratrol Health Benefits

Resveratrol has many health benefits that most people are simply not aware of. Even scientists are still discovering some of the most important benefits through various studies. Resveratrol is a health supplement that is included in several different formulas.

Resveratrol was found in grapevines several decades ago, but was in 1992 also found in red wine. This is why you may hear medical experts saying that drinking red wine is actually good for you - in moderation of course. If you are not a drinker then you can take Resveratrol in pill form or via a supplement that contains the ingredient. Resveratrol is mainly found in the skin of grapes as well as the seeds in muscadine grapes. Grapes from various parts of the world will also have different amounts of Resveratrol within them.

It is well known that people benefit from antioxidants in multiple ways. It assists in overall health as well as skin quality, immune system vitality and chronic diseases. Antioxidants are even thought to help prevent cancer. Antioxidants are found naturally in many fruits and vegetables and are usually more present in strongly colored fruits.

Positive Resveratrol health benefits have been reported in various publications. The Oxford Journal has published positive results as has the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. The reports clearly state that Resveratrol health benefits are widespread, but still need to be investigated to get a better picture of exactly what this wonder substance can do for us.

No negative side effects have been revealed from people using Resveratrol. It is said that Resveratrol has antibiotic attributes as it has shown to be able to protect plants from various fungal and viral diseases. Resveratrol is an antioxidant so it is thought to be able to offer protection from the harm of free radicals and oxidization.

Get $5 off Resveratrol at iHerb. Use Coupon Code BUQ379

Other Resveratrol articles:

I’ll drink to that: Resveratrol kept overfed mice from gaining weight, literally turned them into the equivalent of Charles Atlas and seemed to slow down their aging process as well.

Medical Symptoms Diagnosis Online

Medical symptoms diagnosis online is becoming a common approach for people who wish to gain an idea what they may be suffering from. Of course, researching your symptoms online and jumping to conclusions that you have the worst possible illness is not ideal.

You should always consult your doctor before embarking on your treatment plan, but researching your symptoms online can give you a good idea of the possibilities and if what you are suffering from may be serious, or if it is something simple that can be rectified by diet or natural remedies.

There are now many authority sites that have thousands of symptoms and possible conditions relating to those symptoms. Some sites are run by professional medical organizations while others are run by individuals who are experienced in medical related topics. These types of sites will have information that is not found anywhere else and the best part is that it is usually free.

Some of the best medical symptoms diagnosis online sites include:

WebMD Symptom Checker
WedMD is an authority medical website containing information about hundreds of conditions. Their symptoms checker section is an advanced knowledge base that will contain the information you are searching for. There is also an image of a human body that you can click and you are then taken to a short survey where you answer a few questions to get detailed information about symptoms.

Healthline Symptom Search
Simply enter your symptoms into the search box and Healthline will come back with many possibilities. Just enter a few letters into the search box and it will present you with many possible symptoms.

MedicineNet Symptoms & Signs A-Z List
There is an advanced search option here or you can simply browse the symptoms in the A-Z list.

MayoClinic Symptom Checker
MayoClinic is another online authority health website and their Symptom Checker is easy to use and detailed. It is divided into adult symptoms and child symptoms to give you a more accurate result.

The above sites will provide you with an overview of symptoms and possible conditions. Always see your doctor to confirm any illness and treatment path.

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