| Our society has become ever more complex and | | | | control. The therapy can only be stopped once it is |
| stressful. Incidence of panic attacks and anxiety | | | | ascertained that chances of a relapse is minimal. The |
| attacks have also become increasingly common. | | | | major concern of this method is it can prove to be an |
| There are virtually millions of people who are suffering | | | | expensive one. |
| from this ailment ! Various treatments are available for | | | | Medications can help to reduce symptoms associated |
| anxiety and panic attacks. Basically, it involves | | | | with panic attacks as well as any symptoms of |
| psychotherapy, medication or both at the same time. | | | | depressions. Research has shown that more than half |
| There are alternative treatments available like | | | | of the attacks can be prevented by the use of |
| relaxation therapy, meditation, exercise etc. These aim | | | | antidepressants. Commonly, antidepressants are used |
| to relax the body and relieve anxiety of the affected | | | | to reduce anxiety and depressions. It can help to |
| persons. Each method has its own merits and it will | | | | reduce the frequency of the panic and anxiety attacks |
| work for different persons. | | | | as well. They are usually started at a lower dose to |
| Psychotherapy can be particularly helpful in the | | | | make sure your body can first adjust to the medicine. |
| treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. However, the | | | | Then it will be gradually increased to obtain the desired |
| person have to go through multiple sessions and the | | | | effect. |
| process can be a rather time consuming one. | | | | As always, the biggest issue with medication is its |
| Psychotherapy offers support to the person. It can | | | | variety of side effects. The persons being treated |
| help to minimize fear which is an important factor to | | | | should be closely monitored for possibility of unwanted |
| overcome for the sufferer. In certain cases, | | | | side effects. These could range from minor to severe |
| psychotherapy alone is adequate to cure this disorder. | | | | and in certain situations may even be life-threatening. |
| Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the branch of | | | | There are quite a number of self-help guides and |
| psychotherapy related to the treatment of panic | | | | techniques in the market. But before trying out any of |
| attacks, anxiety attacks and panic disorder. This is an | | | | these, it is vital for the person to distinguish panic |
| ongoing treatment which must be conducted by a | | | | attack from other more serious illness such as a heart |
| trained professional therapist. It is recommended that | | | | attack. Various remedies have been advocated which |
| the sufferer have consultation with a psychiatrist or | | | | include avoid smoking and caffeine, creative |
| psychologist with experience in the treatment of panic | | | | visualization, learn how to control your breathing, |
| attack and panic disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy | | | | relaxation, exercise, join support groups etc. |
| helps the person to deal with panic attack symptoms | | | | Whichever method used for the treatment, it is |
| and can re-create the symptoms of the anxiety and | | | | important to know and be assured that panic attacks, |
| panic attacks. The critical point is this therapy needs to | | | | anxiety attacks and panic disorder are treatable. The |
| be maintained regularly to keep the attacks under | | | | key point is never to give up! |