Did you know that one form of anxiety disorder that is fueled by recurring thoughts, fears and images that the person feels are out of control is obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)? Because many of the rituals and compulsions associated with OCD can fuel the stress and anxiety cycle plus trigger a full-blown panic attack, some people with OCD also experience frequent panic attacks or are diagnosed with panic disorder. The rituals that the person with OCD performs helps to reduce anxiety temporarily, but they are stuck in an endless cycle of behaviors, according to WebMD.
That people with OCD typically have other forms of anxiety, and this includes panic attacks and panic disorders reports the FamilyDoctor.org. They may experience bouts of depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, extreme phobias or have an eating disorder. As a result of the person not undergoing their usual ritual that previously helped them lower their anxiety, panic attacks may occur. Panic attacks and panic disorder affects thousands of men and women in the United States, and some of these people also show signs and symptoms of OCD. However, there are several ways to keep symptoms of OCD and panic attacks under control.
Some people choose to take a cognitive approach to treating these anxiety conditions by undergoing therapy. Prescription medications may be given under the supervision of a mental health therapist or doctor to alleviate feelings of extreme anxiety and stress, and to lower the risk of a panic or anxiety attack.
The person suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and panic attacks will need to pursue some natural treatment options so that they can lead a healthier lifestyle, in many cases. To reduce the risk of panic attacks and reduce or eliminate the need to exhibit OCD behaviors just to cope with day to day life, experts say that eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reframing thoughts about certain fears can help.
Early diagnosis can help to reduce the symptoms and give the person suffering from it some space to cope and think of undertaking healthier coping behaviors but OCD cannot be prevented. With some lifestyle changes and a conscious effort to undertake healthy activities that keep the mind occupied at the most critical time, panic attacks can be prevented.
In cases where the obsessive thoughts and compulsions have overtaken a person’s daily life, intervention by a mental health professional can help. There may be the need to maintain a notebook of positive statements that they can reference to when they are feeling anxious, learn how to recognize fearful and irrational thoughts, and to do deep relaxation exercises on a regular basis to help lower their anxiety, naturally because obsessive thoughts and compulsions that are causing anxiety have the ability to trigger a panic attack.
It will be difficult to cope with daily stressors when panic attacks and OCD because it can take over someone’s life. It is easier for people to empower themselves and overcome anxiety so that they can lead a healthier and more productive lifestyle when the link between panic attacks and OCD is understood.
