There are a variety of treatments available for controlling panic attacks. These include several effective medications and specific forms of psychotherapy. In terms of medications, generally antidepressants and benzodiazepine families of medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are used for effective treatment of panic disorder. But, using medication alone is not that efficient as it may seem, especially in extreme cases which requires to be combined with psychotherapy.
We may not know it, but psychotherapy is an important medication treatment if we are to treat panic disorders. Research shows that combination of medication and psychotherapy treatment are more effective than medication alone in overcoming panic attacks.
Generally, cognitive behavioral therapy is the widely accepted form of psychotherapy. This form of therapy helps those with panic disorder by enabling them to identify and decrease the irrational thoughts and behaviors that reinforce panic symptoms. This is the kind of therapy that uses behavioral as well as relaxation techniques that can decrease anxiety. Helping the anxiety sufferer understand the emotional forces that may have contributed to developing symptoms is the main focus of this therapy.
However, there is a type of behavior therapy that will allow people to be exposed gradually to the caused that will trigger their panic attack, it is also the best way for them to diminish their fear, this is called Exposure therapy. This form of therapy is repeated until the sufferer becomes very comfortable with the anxiety-provoking situation. Moreover, for those sufferers who are afraid that they will faint during a panic attack, this exercise teaches them that they will not actually faint during a panic attack. They can practice an exercise in which they spin in a chair or breathe quickly (hyperventilate) until they feel faint and later practice slow, shallow breathing (respiratory control).
In addition, Supportive psychotherapy, which includes education and counseling, is also beneficial as in this form of therapy, a therapist provides general information about the disorder, its treatment, realistic hope for improvement, and the support that comes from a trusting relationship with a doctor.
Often, the combination of medication and psychotherapy would produce a good result. In a short period of time, in about two to three months the improvements will be gradually seen given that both of the forms of treatment has been applied. The mixture of each treatment for panic disorders, though it needs to be considered on its level, this could prevent the trigger of panic attacks or at least it can substantially decrease the severity as well as the frequency, it could significantly bring relief of about 70% – 90% of those suffering from panic disorders.
There are also other things that individuals with panic disorder can do to help make treatment more effective. Having a change in the lifestyle, it is frequently the good way to complement a treatment. There are substances such as alcohol, smoking, as well as caffeine may very well worsen panic attacks, and avoiding these things are important. By exercising may also help well in managing panic attacks. By joining in to aerobic exercises as well as stress management techniques such as yoga and deep breathing is a great way to decrease the severity and also the frequency of panic attacks.
However, there are cases that people would breath using a paper bag if they are afflicted by hyperventilation which are associated with panic that are very alarming. The benefits that are received by individuals are the result of the person that believes it will help. This may be a result of the placebo effect. Also, breathing into a paper bag when one is having trouble breathing can make matters worse because hyperventilation may be the result of conditions of oxygen deprivation.
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