Panic is not a pain anymore

Panic attacks have been medically described as a sudden discreet period of intense anxiety, which leads to physiological stimulation of feelings like fear, palpitation, stomach problems or some physical or mental discomfort. Panic is the severe stage of anxiety and the experience of a panic attack is the most unpleasant, upsetting and uncomfortable one.

A research report by American Psychological Association states that the standard symptoms of the panic attack almost lasts for half an hour. But as per one individual it may vary right from 15 seconds to a few sequels of attack that may last for hours.

Panic attacks are usually associated to fear, and one who experiences an attack feels trapped and unable to free themselves. And when these attacks become consistent and repeated then it is the case of a panic disorder. Some very common symptoms of panic are:

1.    Intense fear or discomfort.

2.    Palpitation, pounding heart, increased heart rate, chest pain or discomfort, excessive sweating.

3.    Sensations of shortness of breath, feeling of chocking.

4.    Nausea or abdominal distress.

5.    Feeling dizzy, numbness, tingling sensation, unsteady or lightheaded.

6.    Feeling of being detached.

There could be lot of other symptoms and feeling related to panic as every individual is different and so are their problems. But the cures for such panic disorders are the same. Listed below are some of the remedies:

1.    Diaphragmatic breathing or abdominal breathing: Breathing techniques have been prevailing since long and they are one effective measure for this problem. It involves breathing in slowly through your nose in a way that the breath reaches the abdominal area and then with the same pace breathes out bout using your mouth. Doing this helps you to get rid of the oxygen and carbon dioxide imbalance in the blood. It also helps you to regulate your thoughts and relax the body.

2.    Acceptance of the situation: It is very important for one individual to accept the facts and the situation. This would make them capable of handling the stress. Instead of thinking “what if” analyze the current situation and think about the ways you can handle it. It will not only make you feel confident but will also motivate the positive thoughts in your mind.

3.    Paper bag rebreathing: This technique has been preferred by many doctors but it is only advisable if there is a tightness in the chest and short, erratic breathing that results to an imbalance in the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. In this case the doctors recommend breathing into a paper bag which helps to level the two components. It is a short-term remedy.

4.    Medication: There are lots of people who prefer medicines over the above mentioned techniques. The prescribed ones are the antidepressants.

•    SSRI i.e. Serotonin Specific Reuptake Inhibitors. The use of these drugs helps you to increase the natural level of serotonin (neurotransmitter that has a variety of effects on a person’s mood) in your brain. Some common examples of such medicines are paroxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, escitalopram or fluoxetine.

•    Benzodiazepine, it is used for the instant relief and the patient is asked to take it 30 to 60 minutes prior a stressful event. It is one way to avoid panic. Some common examples are diazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and clonazepam.

Apart from the above mentioned treatments the Psychotherapy is considered to be the best treatment for panic attacks. The most effective Psychotherapy is Cognitive Behavioral Theory CBT. Albert Ellis is the pioneer in the development of CBT. It has also been certified as the best remedy for panic attack by the American Psychological Association. It is a systematic and goal oriented procedure that aims at influencing dysfunctional emotions and behaviors. It is the most effective and efficient treatment. It deals with the problems like mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, psychotic disorders as well. It usually is a brief process and does not require a lot of time involvement. It could be used as an individual theory or as a group theory.  It is a blend of behavior theory and cognitive theory. It helps the patient to identify the problem, the root cause of panic and then the ways to overcome it. It involves cognitive restructuring that is to change the way one thinks. Its more of a interaction that helps in the resolution of the problem.