Panic Attack Treatment - General Information About Treatment For Panic Attacks
Having a panic attack isn't a nice experience.
For some panic attacks can start suddenly, while for others it is something they have lived with for the majority of their life as a result of separation anxiety when they were little.
Either way the onset is terrifying.
For a young child to experience extreme anxiety over and over while their parents leave them prematurely or to suddenly have panic wash over you while waiting in line for the bus - it is all very terrifying.
There are treatments available to deal with this though and you don't have to continue coping or trying to figure out what is wrong with you.
The treatments available include medication, psychotherapy and dietary changes.
Usually you will be given the option but if you take medication it usually involves psychotherapy as well, whereas you can just avoid medication and stick only to psychotherapy if you choose.
Medications are usually Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs stemmed from the use of tricyclic antidepressants that used to be used for this disorder.
However SSRIs have been found to be much safer and more effective at treating anxiety disorders.
Of course all medication carries risk so you have to be careful with dosage and side effects.
Psychotherapy is usually in the form of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy.
This will usually involve helping the patient with relaxation techniques and gradually increasing the person to situations them would trigger their anxiety.
Psychotherapy can also include psychodynamic perspectives that help the individual to understand what is behind their anxiety and what is driving it.
Psychotherapy has been shown to be more effective than medication and is much beneficial overall as medication only covers up and buries the problem it doesn't solve it.
Along with these therapies, it has often been advised that patients cut out anxiety inducing foods and drinks, including alcohol and caffeine.
Patients are also encouraged to exercise if they aren't already doing so and stress management techniques are encouraged and taught.
Panic attacks may not come on their own.
Many people who suffer from this condition also have mild or deep forms of depression and need to be treated for this as well.
For some panic attacks can start suddenly, while for others it is something they have lived with for the majority of their life as a result of separation anxiety when they were little.
Either way the onset is terrifying.
For a young child to experience extreme anxiety over and over while their parents leave them prematurely or to suddenly have panic wash over you while waiting in line for the bus - it is all very terrifying.
There are treatments available to deal with this though and you don't have to continue coping or trying to figure out what is wrong with you.
The treatments available include medication, psychotherapy and dietary changes.
Usually you will be given the option but if you take medication it usually involves psychotherapy as well, whereas you can just avoid medication and stick only to psychotherapy if you choose.
Medications are usually Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines.
SSRIs stemmed from the use of tricyclic antidepressants that used to be used for this disorder.
However SSRIs have been found to be much safer and more effective at treating anxiety disorders.
Of course all medication carries risk so you have to be careful with dosage and side effects.
Psychotherapy is usually in the form of cognitive behavioural psychotherapy.
This will usually involve helping the patient with relaxation techniques and gradually increasing the person to situations them would trigger their anxiety.
Psychotherapy can also include psychodynamic perspectives that help the individual to understand what is behind their anxiety and what is driving it.
Psychotherapy has been shown to be more effective than medication and is much beneficial overall as medication only covers up and buries the problem it doesn't solve it.
Along with these therapies, it has often been advised that patients cut out anxiety inducing foods and drinks, including alcohol and caffeine.
Patients are also encouraged to exercise if they aren't already doing so and stress management techniques are encouraged and taught.
Panic attacks may not come on their own.
Many people who suffer from this condition also have mild or deep forms of depression and need to be treated for this as well.
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