Panic Disorder (cont.)
What is the treatment for panic attacks?
Thanks to research, there are a variety of treatments available for controlling panic attacks, including several effective medications, and specific forms of psychotherapy. In
terms of medications, specific members of the selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) and the benzodiazepine families of medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat panic disorder. Examples of such medications include sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) from the SSRI group and clonazepam (Klonopin)
from the benzodiazepine group. Although alprazolam (Xanax) is often used to treat panic attacks, its short duration of action can sometimes result in having to take it several times per day. Medications from the beta-blocker family (for example, propranolol) are sometimes used to treat the physical symptoms associated with a panic attack.
Before SSRIs became available, medications from the
group known as the tricyclic
antidepressants
(TCAs) were often used to address panic disorder. Although TCAs have been found to be equally effective in treating panic attacks, SSRIs have been proven to be safer and better tolerated therefore, TCAs are used much less often. When used in the appropriate person with close monitoring, these medications can be quite effective as part of treatment for panic disorder. However, as anything that is ingested carries risk of side effects, it is important to work closely with the prescribing doctor to decide whether treatment with medications is an appropriate intervention and if so, which medication should be administered. The person being treated should be closely monitored for the possibility of side effects that can vary from minor to severe and in some cases even be life-threatening. Due to the possible risks to the fetus of a mother being treated for panic attacks with medication, psychotherapy should be the first treatment tried when possible in pregnant women.
The psychotherapy component of treatment for panic disorders is at least as important as medication treatment. In fact, research shows that psychotherapy alone or the combination of medication and psychotherapy treatment are more effective than medication alone in overcoming panic attacks.
To address anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy is widely accepted as an
effective form of psychotherapy. This form of therapy seeks to help those with
panic disorder identify and decrease the irrational thoughts and behaviors that
reinforce panic symptoms. Behavioral techniques that are often used to decrease
anxiety include relaxation techniques and gradually increasing exposure to
situations that may have previously precipitated anxiety in the individual.
Helping the anxiety sufferer understand the emotional forces that may have
contributed to developing symptoms (panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy)
has also been found to be effective.
Often, a combination of psychotherapy and medications produces good results. Improvement is usually noticed in a fairly short period of time, about two to three months. Thus, appropriate treatment for panic disorder can prevent panic attacks or at least substantially reduce their severity and frequency, bringing significant relief to 70%-90% of people with panic disorder.
There are also things that people with panic disorder can do to help make treatment more effective. Since substances like caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs can worsen panic attacks, those things should be avoided. Other tips for managing panic attacks include engaging in aerobic exercise and
stress-management techniques like deep breathing and yoga, since these activities have also been found to help decrease the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
In addition, people with panic disorder may need treatment for other
emotional problems. Depression has often been associated with panic
disorder, as have alcohol and drug abuse. Recent research also suggests
that suicide attempts are more frequent in people with panic disorder.
Fortunately, these problems associated with panic disorder can be overcome
effectively, just like panic disorder itself.
Tragically, many people with panic attacks do not seek or receive
treatment.
Next: What happens if panic attacks are not treated? »
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