Dealing With Panic Attacks – Effective Ways Of Treatment

We have all heard the clichés – “don’t panic!”, “relax” and “calm down” – but really, what exactly do we mean?  Those well-intentioned words are meaningless if one does not sit down and really figure out:
-    What “panic” really means
-    How “panic” is triggered
-    How to recognize each panic trigger
-    How to avoid severe repercussions of “panic”
-    Ways of controlling “panic”
-    If “panic” really is a physical condition or a state of mind

Many people suffering from panic “attacks” – or so they are called because to the person suffering from it, they are sudden and totally unprovoked – have no idea that this is a real recognized medical condition.  While the attacks themselves are hardly a fatal possibility, they are clear symptoms of more serious disorders like depression and anxiety disorder and it is what the subsequent actions they can lead to that are dangerous.

What are panic attacks then?  As its name suggests, it is an unexpected feeling of fear so strong that it overwhelms the individual and leads them to do or act different from the norm.  A sudden panic attack, for instance, may cause one to feel afraid of everything and everyone around.  Sometimes, an individual may be overcome by such strong emotions that one will be incapable of moving away even an inch from the spot one is currently in.

Treatment for panic attacks is mainly psychological.  As these are symptoms of a more disturbed state of mind, it is usually automatic that psychotherapy is first adopted before any other form of cure is prescribed.  Continuous sessions with a licensed, experienced psychologist may be the first step in treatment.

During these meetings, the cause for such attacks and ways of dealing with anxiety will be discussed and set.  Delving into one’s past experiences and exploring the simplest of fears may be a necessity.  As these are all steps towards total recovery, it is best to be extremely honest and open during the psychotherapy.  For less serious cases, these grilling sessions may be all that is needed.

As panic attacks often stem from some deep-rooted cause, one must remember that such sessions are themselves treatment for panic disorders.  As such, they are a long-term commitment to a permanent or semi-permanent cure.  A premature termination of these sessions may result in a recurrence of panic attacks which may be far worse and often than when they first began.

Increasingly, there are cases where psychotherapy alone is insufficient in dealing with anxiety disorders.  Specific medication for panic attacks will then need to be prescribed.  These, in no way, supersede the psychotherapy which should have already begun – in fact, they are in tandem with the regular sessions, which should only stop after the licensed psychotherapist is satisfied of the individual’s psychological progress.

There is direct and indirect medication for panic attacks that can be adopted.  The direct method is, naturally, the prescription of specific pills and drugs, also known as anti-anxiety medication, which are effective in calming down the individual.  In a calmer state of mind, he or she will then be “removed” from the dangers of their surroundings and less of a danger to all around.  On no account, however, should these drugs be taken without the proper supervision of a qualified physician.

More indirect medication for panic attacks deal with deep breathing and mind control techniques.  As panic attacks stem from some as-yet undiscovered concern in the mind, one way of dealing with anxiety is through the use of positive thoughts.  These may come in the form of repetitive statements such as “there is nothing to be afraid of.  I am just afraid of being afraid” or “I will not let my fear take control; I will control my fear”.

Deep breathing is another equally effective alternative to conventional treatment and is usually used with mind control techniques mentioned earlier.  When one needs to employ the deep breathing method, all that is required is to learn the skill of correct breathing through the nose, into the diaphragm and abdomen, and exhaling slowly though the mouth. If necessary, these can be done in a public place sitting down or standing facing a wall.  Many individuals find that closing their eyes and concentrating on deep breathing works well in bringing their psyche back to the safe present.

Whichever method preferred, a psychotherapist should be brought into the picture at some point before the person suffering the panic attack becomes a threat to themselves and those around them.