Panic Attack Treatment

When a person experiences a panic attack, they go through an intense terrifying ordeal. From out of nowhere, your body will begin to react as if your are in danger, sweating, tremors and fear of imminent death may all be present. Most sufferers have described it as the scariest thing they have ever felt. If you can identify with these feelings chances are good that you are looking for effective panic attack treatment.

Panic attack treatment can take many forms. There are those who swear by holistic remedies and still others who insist that prescription medication is the only way to go. If you are new to this disorder, you probably would simply like to know your options!

Medical Approach

Before you do anything else, you should see your family doctor. Panic attacks are generally not life threatening but you do not want to self medicate for a disorder until you are sure about what you are dealing with.

For instance, many times a panic attack will feel like a heart attack and vice versa, so it is better to err on the side of caution than to treat something you might not have.

Your doctor should run a variety of tests to be sure you are dealing with anxiety issues before he prescribes a panic attack treatment. First, your physician will ask you a series of questions about your experience and then he might suggest ruling out heart problems, each doctor will vary on diagnostics.

When your doctor has determined that, you are suffering from panic or anxiety attacks he will then discuss your panic attack treatment options. You could be referred to a mental health professional to work on the underlying causes and prescribed medications to deal with the attacks. Common medications are:

Anti-depressants- Paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram or fluoxetine.
Benzodiazepines - Diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam (these are less often prescribed due to the risk of dependence and abuse).

Natural

Some people prefer to not use medications such as the ones listed above. Many prefer natural treatments or coping mechanisms instead. These are less about taking a substance as a panic attack treatment and more about learning to manage the attacks when they come.

Deep breathing- Focusing on breathing in and out slowly through the nose is a common natural panic attack treatment. This process does two things, it forces you to concentrate on one thing and thereby takes your mind off of the panic and it will balance the oxygen levels in the blood a common culprit in panic attacks.

Counting- Some people find that concentrating on counting in their mind staves off panic attacks. Again this is about focusing your thoughts on anything but the anxiety you are feeling.

Diet and exercise- Just one more great reason for getting the proper diet and exercise. You would be amazed at how much your diet and exercise can affect your mood and stability.

The main thing you need to remember is to get some form of panic attack treatment. No one should have to suffer with this disorder when there is so much help available. Do not feel like you are crazy or alone, most people will experience at least one panic attack in their lifetime.

Please also check out my other guide on treatment for panic disorder and when panic attacks

Panic Attack Treatment

treatment of panic attacks

Panic Attack Treatment

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