Anyone who's experienced an anxiety attack before knows just how terrifying they can be. People who suffer from an anxiety disorder, who have frequent anxiety attacks, also understand how debilitating they can become.

Panic and severe anxiety can result in a disruption of daily life that can lead to a downward spiral of isolation and depression. Modern medicine has created several drugs to control
anxiety disorders and depression. These drugs fall into several categories including MAOI's
(Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) and SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRI's such as Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox, and Celexa are the most commonly prescribed.

Anxiety Cures

While effective in most patients, antidepressant drugs usually come with a cost.
Antidepressants are powerful prescription drugs that cause serious side effects for many people who take them. Common side effects of SSRI's include nausea, headaches, diarrhea, weight gain, sedation, and sexual side effects.

Antidepressants have even been linked to suicide in young patients. Prolonged usage of antidepressants frequently result in a higher drug tolerance in patients leading to increased dosages to receive the same desired effect. Further, there is a risk of addiction and frequent withdrawal problems associated with these antidepressants.

Natural Anxiety Relief

Fortunately, there are now effective natural anxiety treatment alternatives to antidepressants. They fall into two categories - cognitive behavioral therapy and natural dietary supplements.

Cognitive therapy involves the participation of a psychotherapist or psychiatrist who have one on one sessions with the patient. This approach focuses on changing the patient's thinking patterns and developing coping mechanisms such as slow breathing techniques. Patients learn how to detect faulty fight-or-flight response mechanisms within the body that are triggered causing anxiety and panic attacks.

The second category of natural anxiety treatments are dietary supplements. Natural dietary
supplements offer effective treatment for anxiety and depression without the risk of serious side effects or possible addiction of antidepressants.

Natural herbal treatments have been used for centuries around the globe in many cultures to cure anxiety symptoms. There is now a growing trend towards more natural alternatives to powerful antidepressants. Natural herbs and vitamins can boost one's overall immune and nervous system creating more resistance to anxiety. Further, select supplements found in nature can be very effective to treat anxiety and panic attack symptoms.

Treatment For Anxiety

Since dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) caution is recommended in selecting an effective natural anti-anxiety supplement that works for you. Studies show that a combination or 'blend' of several anti-anxiety herbs and vitamins offers the most effective treatment results.