Panic disorder & Homeopathy

Q: I am a 37-year-old engineer in a multinational company. From the past two years, I have been suffering from strange attacks which come any time and last 10 minutes or so. During an attack, I feel as if I am going to die, my heartbeat increases, my hands turn cold and sweaty, and I feel as if I am losing control. These attacks come on suddenly and sometimes occur several times a day. I have noticed that these occur even when I am relaxed. I have got myself examined by several doctors who say there is nothing wrong with me. Please suggest some treatment.

Gurpreet Singh

A:It is evident from your symptoms that you are suffering from a chronic anxiety.disorder, which in medical terminology is termed as panic disorder or panic attacks. People with this disorder have a feeling of terror that strikes suddenly and repeatedly with no warning. They can’t predict when an attack will occur, and many develop intense anxiety between episodes, worrying when and where the next one will strike.

When a panic attacks strikes, the heart starts pounding and you may feel sweaty, weak, faint, or dizzy. Other symptoms include tingling hands, chest pain or smothering sensation, and a fear of impending doom or loss of control.

One may genuinely believe that he’s having a heart attack or stroke. While most attacks average a couple of minutes, occasionally they can go on for up to 10 minutes. In rare cases, they may last an hour or more. You can take one dose of Aconitum Napellus 200 and wait for results. At times, a single dose is sufficient to cure such disorders only to be repeated when symptoms reappear. I have in my clinical practice found that Aconite is extremely beneficial in curing long-standing cases of panic disorders. If untreated, panic disorder may progress into a more advanced stage in which the person becomes afraid of being in any place or situation where escape might be difficult, or help unavailable in the event of a panic attack. This condition is called agoraphobia. It affects about a third of all people with panic disorder. Typically, people with agoraphobia fear being in crowds, standing in line, entering shopping malls, and riding in cars or public transportation.

Often, these people restrict themselves to a “zone of safety” that may include only the home or the immediate neighborhood. Any movement beyond the edges of this zone creates mounting anxiety. Sometimes a person with agoraphobia is unable to leave home alone, but can travel if accompanied by a particular family member or friend.

Agoraphobia can be controlled by homeopathic medicines Lyssin, Argentum Nitricum, Gelsemium. At times, an intensive analysis may be necessary, so do consult your homeopath before using these medicines.