My mother and sister have both experienced
panic attacks. Is anxiety inherited?
What can they do to treat anxiety without
taking pharmaceuticals?
|
Stan
Supporter
Joined: 01 Jan 2006 Posts: 1652 Location: ,
Thanks: 1
Thanked:0
Posted: 03-22-07 08:55am
Well, this is up for debate. There are
two main sides to the issue. One is that
it is inherited and the argument is that a
similar brain pattern or pattern of
thinking is passed down through
generations. The second theory is that
there is some biological mechanism,
perhaps a metabolic problem, at the root
of the anxiety that is passed along. I
agree with the second because I've
experienced it myself in my own life. My
grandfather had hypoglycemia and many
symptoms along with it and so do I, but
it's treated with diet. There are many
supplements you could try for anxiety.
Extreme cases, however, will need help
from a doctor.
|
Tylanas
Especially EHEALTHy
Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 12985
Thanks: 3
Thanked:0
Posted: 03-22-07 14:11pm
I think there could certainly be a genetic
link; things less obvious like alchoholism
are genetic as well, and a whole host of
diseases are. Though a panic attack can be
considered more behavioral, as the
previous poster said, there is a possible
link to brain patterns.
There are many homeopathic and
psychological ways to treat panic attacks
without medication. Meditation, therapy,
self-help books, and just generally
learning what sets off your attacks and
slowly learning to deal with these
situations can all help. A repeatable
mantra to say during or leading into an
attack can help relax your mind and focus
it on something aside from the thought or
situation that is triggering the attack.
|
Georgia59
Moderator
Joined: 11 Apr 2007 Posts: 5539 Location: Along the Mississippi, USA
Thanks: 88
Thanked:31
Posted: 04-25-07 11:54am
Yes and no, there are many causes to
anxiety and some are genetic, some are
environmental, some are really unknown.
It's a little bit of everything. If your
mother and sister have it, you do have a
higher chance of having it but that does
not mean that you will.
Like I have said before, cognitive
behavioral therapy is extremely successful
to treat anxiety. Seek the help of a
licensed psychologist.
