Getting Treated for Panic Attacks
Getting Treated for Panic AttacksIf you suffer from panic attacks, keep in mind that they don’t cause any physical harm, even though they’re terrifying. Sooner or later, your body will return to its normal state of balance or homeostasis. It’s your mind that panics and fears the worst. But you’ll be relieved to know that panic attacks can be successfully prevented and controlled with medication, psychotherapy and relaxation techniques. It’s important to get treated for panic attacks otherwise they can become more frequent and stronger.
These are some varieties of medication used to reduce the symptoms of panic attacks, as well as depression:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs are antidepressants that are generally safe and have fewer side effects. They are usually the first choice in treating panic attacks.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs is another class of antidepressants used to alleviate pain attack symptoms.
Tricyclic antidepressants are effective, but they can have serious side effects. Benzodiazpines are central nervous system depressants that have a mild sedative effect. The only problem with Benzodiazepines is, they can be addictive if taken in high doses or for a long period.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs are antidepressants that require a strict diet and can have extremely serious side effects, so they’re not prescribed much.
While taking these drugs, it’s important to be under the supervision of your doctor who will monitor their side effects and dosage. If a certain class of antidepressants doesn’t suit you, your doctor will either give you another or try a combination of medicines. But don’t expect an instant improvement. It’ll take a few weeks before you see some tangible results.
Psychotherapy or counseling can help you to understand panic attacks and cope with them. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is probably the most effective treatment for panic attacks. It helps you to change the thought patterns that lead to fear and panic, as well as, how you react in fearful situations. You are taught to recognize your panic triggers and then deal with them.
Meditation is the oldest cognitive technique known to man. By meditating, you manage to go beyond anxious thoughts and move towards calm and inner balance. It even allows you to observe your thoughts in a detached manner, those very thoughts that are creating your fears and anxieties. This helps you to transcend them and recover.
Relaxation techniques such as visualization and deep breathing can also help you to take control during a panic attack. By learning to lower your breathing rate, you can deal with a panic attack and also prevent another.
Next article: Symptoms of a Panic Attack
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