Understand and Treat Panic Attack and Disorders

There are many ways to treat panic attacks. But first you must know what it is all about. A proper knowledge of the problem will help you in solving it. Panic attacks are a sudden occurrence of extreme fear that generally comes for no obvious reason. But it brings along several acute physical reactions, which can be so strong that feeling of having a heart attack, is almost common. It can be frightening.

Having one or two panic attacks in a lifetime is not a matter of serious case but if the number exceeds and the duration of occurrence then it might take the shape of Panic disorder, which should be taken care off as soon as possible. A panic attack generally stays for 20 – 30 mins.

To treat panic attacks, the reasons behind its occurrence should be studies first. Unfortunately in this case the causes are not very clear. But it is seen that one of the cause is its existence in the family, or with life’s different transitions, a case any traumatic event. Stress could also be a reason. Sometimes medical conditions and other physical sources can also lead to panic attacks. Some such physical conditions are:
    Hypoglycemia
    Hyperthyroidism
    Any medication withdrawal, etc.

When you experience the following signs and symptoms in you, know that its time for you to consult with your doctor before it becomes too late. Look out for the following signs and symptoms:
    Hyperventilation
    Chest pain
    Pain in stomach
    Headache
    Faintness
    Feeling of tightness inside the throat
    Trouble while swallowing anything
    Unnatural fear of death
    Unnatural feeling of becoming detached from the surroundings.
    Feeling of choking
    Numbness

You can have panic attacks any time anywhere. Panic attacks hits without any warnings so must be very careful. This can even cause a fear in you which can prevent you from going out of your house, a situation which is clinically termed as agoraphobia.

To help in the better diagnosis of the problem the following tests and exams are generally conducted.

    Physical tests and exams: Includes things like measuring heights, weights heart beat rate blood pressure, and the like.
    Laboratory exams and tests: includes CBC (complete blood count) thyroid tests and some heart related tests.
    Physiological exams and tests: Includes a discussion between the doctor and the patient related to different psychological matter.

In order to treat panic attacks and panic disorder there are several treatments on the offer the some common and best treatments for panic disorder and panic attacks are mentioned below:
    Cognitive – behavioral therapy
    Medication and
    A combination of both

Cognitive – behavioral therapies is a type of psychotherapy commonly known as counseling or in other words talk therapy. It helps to be familiar with panic attacks and disorders and how to deal with it by changing the thinking pattern and behavior towards anything.

The other way to cope with the ailment is medication. Medication helps to reduce and control the signs and symptoms. Following are some of the medicine for panic attacks

    Antidepressants: these are the commonest medicines in use for the purpose. In this category following medicines are used:
    SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake) include brands like setraline (Zoloft), fluxotine (prozac), paroxtine (paxil) etc.
    SNRIs (Serotonin and Nerepinephrine Reuptake) include brands like venlafaxine (effexor).
    TCAs (Tricyclic Antidepressants) include brands desipramine (norpramin).
    MAOIs (Monoamine Oxide Inhibitors) include brands like phenelzine (nardil).

    Benzodiazepines: This falls n the category of sedatives (mild) from the medicines of CNS (Central Nervous System) group. Includes alprazolam (xanax) etc.

Nevertheless it is seen that separately medication and other therapies do not tend to work wonders as the combination of the both does so it is advisable that in order to get the best treatment for panic disorder and attacks one should stick to the combination of both.

However there are some other ways too so as to deal with panic attacks, which has been termed as Self – help treatment by the experts. The below mentioned tips and steps will be helpful in this regard.
    Avoid caffeine
    Avoid alcohol
    Avoid taking banned drugs
    Control your breathing
    Perform stress management techniques and relaxation techniques
    Do meditation and yoga
    Do aerobics
    Get sufficient sleep especially night sleep

Getting quick treatment for panic attacks and panic disorder has helped to reduce the problem to a great extent. So go through your regular routine of treatment and you can surely get back to the normal and controlled life as before.

Happy Living!