Treating Panic Attack

Panic attacks are a scary event for anyone; in fact, many people describe it as the most terrifying thing they have ever experienced. Your heart races, fear overwhelms you and you may even believe you are about to lose your mind! The reason for panic attacks is varied but the good news is treating panic attacks has never been easier.

The rise in panic disorders and anxiety attacks has led doctors from all practices to become more informed and aware of treatment options. Several years ago, little was known about the disorder and the main treatments consisted of strong medications that are addictive. Today however there are more complete plans for treating panic attacks.

Medication

In some cases, powerful medications are required, intense, frequent panic attacks can actually become debilitating, and treating panic attacks like these is often done with tranquilizers.

Even in cases where the anxiety is not extreme, your doctor might want to start you on anti-depressants. These drugs are really maintenance medications in that you will be required to take them daily instead of as needed, but they can help keep you calm while you examine other possible options for treating panic attacks.

Possible medications include:

Benzodiazepines
Anti-depressants
MAOI
SSRI
Beta Blocker

Therapy

Whether you are using medications or not you will want to look into therapy. Therapy can be a long journey to find the root cause of your anxiety as well as discover methods to deal with panic attacks. Most likely, you will work through both techniques for treating panic attacks.

Finding the underlying cause of your anxiety may include going back to your childhood and examining events throughout your life that could be contributing factors. Many times a child who lives with an anxious parent or relative will be more likely to suffer panic or anxiety. Traumatic events in life can also contribute to the problem and these things will have to be dealt with in counseling.

The other side of therapy for treating panic attacks is learning how to deal with the panic attack when it occurs. Your therapist will work with you and show you how to use coping skills to get through a panic attack. These may be berating exercises, counting, positive self speak, and relaxation techniques. The most important thing to remember when coping with a panic attack is the fact that no one has ever died from them! Sometimes just realizing this frees people from the paralyzing fear that comes with an anxiety attack.

Treating panic attacks is a comprehensive effort between you, the doctor and your therapist. You can use one or all of the above treatment options to deal with panic attacks. The important thing to remember is that you need to seek help, untreated panic attacks can lead to intense phobias and other issues.

Other post you may be interested in reading: when panic attacks and symptoms of panic attacks

Treating Panic Attacks

treat panic attack

Treating Panic Attack

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