These can be very frightening episodes, which come on suddenly, apparently unprovoked, unlike phobias. The symptoms can be similar to the general anxiety symptoms, but in addition are usually accompanied by palpitations, which often cause additional anxiety about the possibility of heart disease. In the past this disorder was referred to by heart specialists as a heart condition know as ‘effort syndrome’. Prior to the panic attack the brain sends a message to the adrenal glands which causes an adrenaline surge, sometimes known as the ‘flight and fight’ mechanism. The anxiety that a medical emergency is impending is so severe that it sets up a vicious circle, leading to physical symptoms, which then justify the fear of physical problems, which then lead to more anxiety, which causes the panic attack. ANXIETY 73 Once again panic attacks are suffered by many women in their premenstrual phase. In a survey the WNAS conducted on 1,000 patients it emerged that 91 per cent had previously suffered with anxiety before their periods, and in severe cases, sufferers often had panic attacks leading up to their period.
Adrienne was a 22-year-old student nurse who was very frightened by the onset of severe anxiety and panic attacks. Her mother brought her to the clinic after seeing a television programme that featured the work of WNAS.
‘My symptoms came on suddenly when I was 21. We had moved to Sussex and so I was feeling a bit isolated from my friends, plus I had begun a nursing course during that year which necessitated living away from home. My Grandad died that year, too, which I found upsetting as we are a close family. At times my symptoms were uncontrollable. I became very depressed, withdrawn and anxious. I just felt like hiding in my room. I was verbally aggressive towards my family and refused to eat when I was depressed. My head used to pound so much it felt like it was going to explode. I was very afraid, and dreaded my symptoms which were considerably worse for two weeks before each period. At first my doctor suggested vitamin B6, which didn’t help. Then I was put on the Pill, which made me feel bloated and weird in the head. I was also given Duphaston and antidepressants, and eventually Estraderm patches which made my symptoms worse, and I now discover are for menopausal symptoms. I had to give up nursing as I couldn’t concentrate or absorb anything. I returned to my family home where I either sat on the sofa all day, on a good day, or hid away in my room. My family were clearly distraught by the situation, but at a loss to know what to do for me. One day whilst sitting on the sofa I happened to see a WNAS patient on a TV chat show. When she described her former symptoms it sounded just like she was describing me! My mum went straight out and got me the book they mentioned, which I read from cover to cover without stopping. I got started on a self-help programme immediately and made an appointment to attend the WNAS clinic. I stopped all the hormones and antidepressants and was given a diet, exercise and supplement programme to follow, which was very different from my previous way of eating. My mum helped with the shopping and the cooking which made it a lot easier for me. 74 THE NATURAL HEALTH BIBLE Within a month my depression and anxiety had vanished which was such a surprise. Unfortunately, as I thought I was better I didn’t follow the programme strictly for the next month and ended up feeling almost as bad as ever. I realised I had to follow it to the letter and got my act together again. Within two months all the symptoms had disappeared again. I decided not to return to nursing for the time being, but instead got a job with an Insurance company, working with lots of other young people in the area. That was a year ago, and I haven’t had a bad day since. I keep to my diet, still take some supplements, regularly exercise, practice relaxation, and every fortnight I have some reflexology. Without my symptoms I felt more like socialising, so I have developed a circle of friends. I feel like a completely different person, with a future, and am so grateful I found the WNAS.’
• Offer the options discussed for general anxiety.
• Prescribe high doses of benzodiazepines, like Valium. Prolonged treatment is unwise though as it leads to dependency, as you will see from Harriet’s experience.
• Give antidepressants such as one of the Tricyclic group or paroxxetine (seroxat) are used to control symptoms in the longer term, but it may be given in high doses with the risk of many side-effects. The problem with this treatment is the relapse rate has been found to be high when the medication ceases.
• Refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist for some cognitive therapy, designed to change the fears and physical symptoms, which predispose the panic attack. This involves coming to terms with the irrational basis for your fears over several sessions.
• Follow the instructions for The Simple Exclusion Diet. This will keep you busy for at least eight weeks.
• Take regular exercise, at least four good sessions per week to the point of breathlessness. If you can’t manage to get out of the house use a skipping rope and an exercise video to build up your stamina.
• Try to practice relaxation each day, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or anything you find therapeutic (see page 29).
• Take a generous dose of multi-vitamins and minerals daily, plus extra B vitamins, and vitamin C.
• Get some help to sort out the stress in your life, either from a friend or a therapist.
• If you suffer with premenstrual syndrome, follow the instructions on page 394, plus refer to the book No More PMS.
• Take a herbal ‘tranquilliser’ like Valerina Day which is an age-old herb used for the symptomatic relief of tension and irritability and helps cope with the stress and strain of modern living.
• Kava kava is a herb historically used for inducing a calming and relaxing effect. As noted above, kava has been found mostly to help reduce tension and improve mood in people who complain of stress, anxiety or certain phobias. The herb appears to relieve mild anxiety in less than one hour, but studies have found that it typically takes a week to exert a meaningful effect. In Germany, Kava remains one of the most popular doctor recommended remedies for anxiety.
“Without my symptoms I felt more like socialising, so I have developed a circle of friends. I feel like a completely different person, with a future, and am so grateful I found the WNAS.”
Adrienne