Panic Attack Treatments Declare War

Panic attacks have become an established mental enemy in the last few years – with the exponential growth of technology and industry, the stress of living in a wired-up world has meant an eruption of severe psychological disorders that have become increasingly difficult to ignore. So what is a panic attack?

Symptoms

It is always important to know the symptoms of panic attacks so as to ensure that you are aware hat you are having one. This will help propel you to seek any help that you might need.

The increase in reported panic attacks has spurred new and exciting advances in the fight against the scourge of psychological tribulations. So what are the solutions? Typically, panic attack treatment involves psychotherapy/cognitive-behavioral therapy, or medication.  

Therapy

Psychotherapy and Cognitive-behavioral therapy as panic attack treatments helps to minimize the fearfulness of symptoms, by giving the patient reassurance that panic will not lead to the cataclysmic events they fear, such as a heart attack. These panic attack treatments help people to deal with panic symptoms, using techniques like muscle and breathing relaxation. But this panic disorder treatment is a long-term process, more time-consuming and more expensive in the short run. There might also be a stigma attached in having to seek ‘therapy’ as a panic attack treatment, but you shouldn’t worry about this. On the plus side, panic attacks return less often after psychotherapy than with medication. And there is no risk of "side effects". Alternative treatments like meditation and relaxation therapy are also often used to help relax the body and relieve anxiety.

Medication

The most frequently used medications as a panic attack treatment are the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Zoloft).  These are considered the first line of defense for panic disorders. Antidepressants, such as Tofranil, often help reduce anxiety and the frequency and severity of panic attacks, and anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Ativan are useful for the first stages of medical therapy. Medication as a panic attack treatment is often faster than therapy, but there are disadvantages. Many of these medications are addictive, and you usually build up a tolerance after 3-4 weeks, so you constantly need a higher dose. Side effects are always a possibility, ranging from nausea to heightened anxiety. Statistically, panic attacks return about 80% of the time, after stopping medication.

The ideal solution is a combination of these therapies, and it's important not to hope for a quick fix.  Therapy takes time, and progress comes in little steps. Go easy on yourself.