Dearest: For three years, I have referred to the most comprehensive article on the cause and treatment of panic attacks. I've searched for the author and recently came across his Web site, "How To Treat Your Own Panic Disorder" and I'm so pleased he's here with us tonight. DR. B E R T A N D E R S O N ...has taught the use of behavioral and psycho-physiological methods in the treatment of addiction, stress, pain, hyperventilation, anxiety and panic disorder. These subjects are of special concern during menopause, when the highs and lows of hormone levels often create feelings of anxiety and panic. Anderson's "How To Treat Your Own Panic Disorder" Web site was created in 1996. This was the first Internet site to deliver self-help treatment advice to users world wide. The Healing Panic treatment program evolved in response to the people who used this material. The information found on the Web site is a product of 30 years devoted to clinical practice and consultation as a licensed therapist. Anderson now operates his site full time, answering viewer questions, supporting people who are using Healing Panic, updating content, reviewing scientific publications and keeping contact with scientists and clinicians in the field of treatment for panic disorders. Welcome to Power Surge, Dr. Anderson. You write, "Panic attacks result from what has been called "Hyperventilation Syndrome." Panic attack sufferers all have one thing in common --they don't breathe properly." Can you please elaborate on this hyperventilation syndrome? Thank you. Dr. Bert Anderson: My turn? Dearest: Yup :) Dr. Bert Anderson: Hyperventilation happens when people unawarely overbreathe. The breathe out too much carbon dioxide and this causes an imbalance in their system. The imbalance is called alkalosis -- not enough acid produced by the CO2 Dearest: Is this anything like breathing into a paper bag, where you take in more carbon dioxide than oxygen and that's supposed to relax your system? Dr. Bert Anderson: Yes, breathing into a bag is a temporary way to restore the balance. You can do it when you feel dizzy or like panic symptoms are coming on. Dearest: I have used the paper bag method for years and find it helpful. What generally happens to the breathing of someone before and during a panic attack? What sort of symptoms do they describe? Dr. Bert Anderson: There are several symptoms. The most common is pounding heart. Suffocation and shortness of breath, dizziness and feeling detached are the other really common ones. Dearest: Dr. Anderson, this may sound like a foolish question, but can people die during a panic attack? Dr. Bert Anderson: Was asked that in an email today. If it ever happens it's not enough to make a statistic out of it. It's not really something that you have to realistically worry about. Dearest: Thank you for your wonderful answers. Let's go to the audience. Donna, go ahead. MELADONNA: Can dysfunctional family life or imbalance or combination cause panic disorder? Dr. Bert Anderson: Well a lot of people who suffer have trauma in their past, something that happens to kids in a dysfunctional family. A lot of kids have panic, you know. We need to see a difference between the things like stress and trauma which lead up to panic and the actual attacks themselves. MELADONNA: My mom had agoraphobia and so did I...did it rub off? Dearest: Is there an actual medical difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack? Dr. Bert Anderson: No, Dearest. They're both the same thing. Dearest: Thanks. Meladonna said her mom had agoraphobia and so does she. Is it hereditary? Dr. Bert Anderson: Sort of like. Depression is hereditary, or heart disease. It's more likely to have it if someone in the family has had it in the past. Goosetess1: I also have agoraphobia due to almost constant dizziness and faintness. It's worse when I leave my "safety zone". Dr. Bert Anderson: That's pretty typical of agoraphobia. The dizziness and faintness are classic hyperventilation symptoms. Goosetess1: I have ordered your program. Does it give specifics on breathing techniques? Dr. Bert Anderson: Oh yes, very specific instructions on breathing. YINEYES: Doctor, what do you recommend for generalized anxiety disorder? Dr. Bert Anderson: We think that Generalized Anxiety Disorder may have the same root causes as panic attacks. But the two things are a little different. So I would check for the way you breathe. Dearest: Is it my imagination, or does it seem like an usually large amount of people are on anti-anxiety, anti-depressant and anti-panic medication these days? Dr. Bert Anderson: There are a lot of people on anti-anxiety medications and and anti-depressants. After all, if you go to a doctor for these problems that is all he knows to help you. RSEquines: Back to my first question about the difference between worry and true anxiety-- could you please define the way to determine the difference? Thanks. Dr. Bert Anderson: All these things are mixed up. The way you think, the way you breathe, the way your body and brains reacts to hyperventilation, the things that your brain recognizes as fearful. So you start where you are, and with what you can change. I forgot the emotional system up there. I see treatment for panic as finding and effective means of changing something that will help with the symptoms you have. Dearest: Dr. A., can you give us some of your breathing exercises to try while we're sitting at our computers now? Dr. Bert Anderson: Sure. Did you know there are studies being done on people who work at computers? Dearest: I'm sure there must be. Dr. Bert Anderson: Try a slow breathing technique right now. Take in a slow, diaphragmatic breath, and then breathe out slowly through pursed lips, like blowing out a candle. Take 10 to 20 seconds to breathe out Dearest: Keep mouth open or closed while inhaling? Dr. Bert Anderson: Oh yes, breathe in through your nose if you can. Dearest: And then repeat again? Dr. Bert Anderson: By the time you have done this 3 times you'll feel more relaxed. Dearest: Once you inhale, do you hold your breath for any period of time before exhaling? Dr. Bert Anderson: You can for a short time. Dearest: Thanks :) Dr. Bert Anderson: There are no hard and fast rules except to slow down the whole breathing process. PianoMary: You mentioned dealing with emotional problems earlier. Do you suggest therapy first or medication? Personally, I get a panic attack just thinking about seeing a therapist :( Dr. Bert Anderson: Hey, that's what I'm here for! Use medications only if you need them. If you start breathing practice, even doing the stuff you see on my site, you will find that you can control panic attacks and anxiety a lot better. Dearest: Dr. A., do you think we overuse the term "panic attack," when we're merely feeling a little unsteady or worried? Dr. Bert Anderson: Yes, I do. Recently I've been getting a lot of people who say they have panic attacks when actually they only have a few symptoms of anxiety or depression. A real panic attack is a pretty big event! Dearest: I mean, I remember my bout with agoraphobia and severe panic attacks and they were debilitating. Thanks for your input :) Donna, go ahead. MELADONNA: Zone "eating". Is that like Eat Right for Your Type or protein with veggies only and carbs and fruits alone? Dr. Bert Anderson: The Zone is a balance of carbs, protein and fats. A definite ratio. Enter the Zone by Barry Sears is the best one to read. by Power Surge™. All Rights Reserved.