Treatment For Panic Attacks: An Overview Of Treatment Options

A panic attack is defined as a sudden surge of overwhelming fear and anxiety that can be experienced at any point of time. During a panic attack, most people have difficulty in breathing and their hearts beat faster. In extreme cases, some may even feel as if they are about to die. If you are suffering from such attacks then it is high time you get this mental condition treated as soon as possible. The intensity of the panic attacks increases if you do not treat yourself. Dealing with anxiety or panic attacks can be difficult, but not impossible.

The worst part of the panic attacks is that they strike you when you are least expecting it. Most of the symptoms of panic attacks coincide with the symptoms of heart attacks. So, it becomes even more important to see the doctor if you are a heart patient. If a heart patient has panic attacks, the role of a doctor becomes very important. Doctors have to be very careful when prescribing medications for the heart ailments. They have to ensure that the medications that they give for the heart ailment does not aggravate the panic attack situation.

People who are suffering from heart ailments need to keep in mind that they must not take any chances during a panic attack. They must be rushed to the cardiac hospital immediately on complaints of chest pain and breathlessness. Panic attacks can disrupt your normal life and cause a lot of harm to relationships. Dealing with anxiety and panic attacks must be on highest priority and must not be neglected at any point of time. Most doctors will analyse your condition and prescribe medications for panic attacks. After taking these medications, you will definitely get relief.

One key fact that needs to be remembered all the time is that there is no permanent cure for anxiety or panic attacks. Medication for panic attacks are only relief givers and help in reducing the symptoms that are associated with anxiety or panic attacks. If you don’t want to take medication for panic attacks due to the side effects, then your doctor may suggest the cognitive behavioral therapy. This therapy is very effective in controlling the symptoms that are associated with panic attacks. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the person who treats you is called a therapist or psychiatrist.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is known to have great effect on panic disorders, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. After you take an appointment with the therapist or psychiatrist, don’t expect to get relief from the very first day. It may take weeks or months to get relief at times, so you need to be patient. This therapy focuses on the behaviors and the thinking patterns that are triggering to sustaining the panic attacks. The therapist or psychiatrist may ask you a series of questions, which may even be personal. You need to answer these questions with great honesty.

The therapist or psychiatrist makes you aware of the fears that are embedded deep within your mind and aids you to look at them in a more realistic light. Another effective treatment method with the use of medications is the exposure method. In this method, you are exposed to the triggers that cause the panic attacks. This treatment method is done in a very controlled and safe environment.

During the exposure therapy, the therapist may ask you to perform the following tasks:
o    Hyperventilate
o    Shake your head from one side to the other
o    Hold your breath

With these activities, you are actually simulating the actual condition of the panic attack. With each exposure, you gradually become less afraid of the bodily sensations. Slowly and steadily, you will feel to get greater control over anxiety and panic.

Dealing with anxiety or panic attacks without the help of doctors or therapists may be a little difficult. You may have to do a lot of research for the right treatment for panic or anxiety attacks. Try browsing the Internet for few days and get as much as information you can get on panic attacks. Buying over-the-counter medications for panic attacks may be a little risky, but you can try them in small doses first. Information on over-the-counter medications for panic attacks can be got from advertisements and pharmacists.