My friend is diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). She is
taking medication. Her husband, also my friend, needs to know how to
respond when she is having an anxiety attack. It seems no matter how
he responds, her anxiety increases.

I can find many websites that advise those with GAD on how to improve,
but none that tell family members how to support those suffering with
this disorder and how to cope when anxiety flares up.

Ideally I would like 10 or more tips or techniques for dealing with a
significant other's anxiety attacks.

---

Clarification of Question by blissbunny-ga on 11 Aug 2006 14:40 PDT

I would have thought this would go under Relationships and Society,
not Miscellaneous. Hoping it attracks the best reviewers here.

Hello blissbunny-ga,

I?m sure your friends appreciate your help in their current struggle
with a serious illness. As you said, there are lots of resources for
the patient. Fortunately, I?ve also found lots of materials that
should help your friend support his wife in dealing with her anxiety
disorder.

I suggest that he should talk with her chief therapist/doctor to share
his concerns and get their advice on what he should do so that her
specific needs and situation are addressed. In addition, I?ve listed a
collection of resources that give very specific advice on how family
and caregivers should behave during an anxiety attack and in
supporting the patient through their course of treatment.

I hope that you will also find these materials helpful as your friends
go through this difficult time.

All the best.

~ czh ~



http://health.yahoo.com/topic/respiratory/resources/article/healthwise/hw53602
Helping a person who is having a panic attack

If someone you know has a panic attack, he or she may become very
anxious and not think clearly. You can help the person by doing the
following:

(See the specific suggestions in this article.)

==

http://support4hope.com/anxiety_disorders/anxiety_disorder_family.htm#1
Getting Help for Anxiety Disorder
Finding Help For The Family
What to Do if a Family Member Has an Anxiety Disorder

(This site provides a list of about a dozen suggestion on how to help
your family member.)

==

http://www.adam.mb.ca/familyfriends.html
SUPPORTING A FRIEND/FAMILY MEMBER

A friend or a family member suffering with an anxiety disorder needs
good support in addition to effective treatment. The criteria for an
effective helper? Knowledge about anxiety, an understanding of the
recovery process, compassion, sensitivity, patience, and strong
boundaries. If you are that special person in their life, here are
some helpful suggestions.

(This page provides 19 suggestions for helpful and unhelpful support.)

==

http://www.healthyplace.com/communities/Anxiety/christine/support.asp
Support for Anxiety Sufferers

Providing Support

Family members should:
 -- recognize and praise small accomplishments
 -- modify expectations during stressful periods
 -- measure progress on the basis of individual improvement, not
against some absolute standard
 -- be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine

Helping The Patient With Homework
Family members can play an extremely valuable and supportive role by
assisting the patient in "homework" that has been agreed upon in
consultation with the therapist.

==

http://pacificcoast.net/~kstrong/
ANXIETY DISORDERS - The Caregiver 

==

http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/HelpAFamilyMember.asp
Helping A Family Member

Family support is important to the recovery process, but there is no
magic cure. Getting better takes hard work, mostly on the part of the
sufferer, and patience, mostly on the part of the family. Some things
family members can do to help a loved one diagnosed with an anxiety
disorder are:
 -- Learn about the disorder. 
 -- Recognize and praise small accomplishments. 
 -- Modify expectations during stressful periods. 
 -- Measure progress on the basis of individual improvement, not
against some absolute standard.
 -- Be flexible and try to maintain a normal routine. 
 -- It is also important for family members to keep in mind that the
recovery process is stressful for them too. They should build a
support network of relatives and friends for themselves. Remember that
with proper treatment by a mental health professional anxiety
disorders can be overcome.

==

http://www.nprinc.com/mental_health/adtc.htm
Anxiety Disorders: The Caregivers
Information for Support People, Family, and Friends 
By:            Ken Strong 
Format:        Soft Cover
Length:        238 pages
Order #:       ADTC-WEB 
Price:         $14.95 
Released:      2003 

==

http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/forfriendsfamily/a/helpthehelpers.htm
How to Support Your Support People



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SEARCH STRATEGY
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supporting patients OR family with anxiety disorder
support patients OR family OR caregiver  "anxiety disorder"

Excellent and prompt response! I have reviewed the links and will be
ordering the book by Ken Strong. Very grateful.