Are you experiencing frequent panic attacks? If so, you’re not alone. It’s common for individuals with heightened anxiety to encounter panic attacks, and if they occur frequently, it could signify the development of panic disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2% of adults in the U.S. suffer from panic disorder. So, if you find yourself struggling with panic disorder, know that there are effective treatments available to help you regain control. In this blog, we’ll explore the most common panic disorder treatments, including therapy, medication, and self-care strategies, to assist you in managing and overcoming panic disorder.
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What Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes recurrent and unexpected panic attacks. Symptoms include feeling intense fear or terror, having chest pain, difficulty breathing, sweating, shaking, dizziness, nausea, and other physical symptoms. Panic disorder can lead to significant distress and disruption in everyday life activities. People with panic disorder may also experience avoidance of situations and activities due to fear of having a panic attack.
Panic Disorder Test
Before we dive into discussing further, let’s take a moment for self-reflection. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of panic attacks or anxiety, it’s essential to understand your situation better. To help with that, here’s a simple self-assessment test for you to evaluate your symptoms and see if they align with those of panic disorder.
Remember, taking this test is a proactive step towards gaining clarity and seeking the support you may need. So, take a deep breath, and let’s begin this journey together towards understanding and managing your mental health. Click on the link to start with it👇
Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, and panic attacks can be accompanied by various physical and psychological symptoms, including:
- Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or feeling of choking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or abdominal distress
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
- Fear of losing control or going crazy
- Fear of dying
- Numbness or tingling sensations
The exact cause of panic disorder is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Possible causes and risk factors include:
- Family history of panic disorder or other anxiety disorders
- Abnormalities in brain chemistry or functioning
- High levels of stress or trauma
- Major life transitions or significant life changes
- Substance abuse or withdrawal
- Chronic medical conditions or certain medications
- Overactive fight-or-flight response
- Hypersensitivity to physical sensations or perceived threats
Understanding the symptoms and causes of panic disorder is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of panic disorder, seeking professional help from a mental health provider is crucial for proper evaluation and management.
Best Treatments To Overcome Panic Attacks or Panic Disorder
So, after you know what’s triggering those panic attacks, now, we’ll delve into effective treatments that can help you or someone you know overcome panic attacks and manage the panic disorder.
Although the first-line treatments for panic disorder are therapy and medications, we’ll also provide you with some actionable self-care tips to lower your risk of experiencing a panic attack.
Therapy For Panic Disorder
When it comes to treating panic disorder, therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals understand the root causes of their panic attacks and develop coping strategies to manage symptoms effectively. It encompasses a range of treatment techniques designed to assist individuals in identifying and modifying unhealthy emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.
It is where therapists employ various therapeutic approaches to address panic disorder, tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each individual. Some common therapeutic techniques used in the treatment of panic disorder include:
- Cognitive Therapy for Panic Disorder
CBT for Panic Attacks helps you to understand the patterns and triggers behind your panic attacks. This provides techniques for managing symptoms and reducing the likelihood of future attacks. This therapy is typically done in individual sessions. Its goal is to help you identify and modify unhelpful behaviors and thought patterns. - Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or stimuli that trigger panic attacks in a controlled and supportive environment. Through repeated exposure and practice, individuals can learn to confront and tolerate their anxiety, leading to decreased sensitivity to panic triggers over time. - Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), incorporate mindfulness practices and meditation techniques to increase awareness of present-moment experiences and reduce reactivity to stressful stimuli. These therapies can help individuals develop greater acceptance and resilience in the face of panic disorder. - EMDR Therapy for Panic Attacks
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy have shown promising results in addressing a panic attack and panic disorder.During EMDR sessions focused on panic attacks, individuals work with a trained therapist to identify and process distressing memories or triggers associated with their panic attacks. By systematically desensitizing these triggers and integrating adaptive coping mechanisms, individuals can experience a reduction in the frequency and intensity of panic attacks over time.
Benefits of Therapy
There are many benefits to receiving panic disorder therapy, including:
- Improved ability to cope with stress and anxiety.
- A better understanding of the causes of your panic attacks.
- Better awareness and control of your physical reactions during a panic attack.
- The reduction of fear associated with certain situations or objects that can trigger a panic attack.
- Improved communication skills and relationships in general.
- Increased self-confidence as you learn new ways to manage panic attacks.
Are you ready to consider therapy as a treatment option for your panic disorder?
If so, MantraCare offers effective and affordable online therapy sessions, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and exposure therapy, tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
With options such as video conferencing and text chat, MantraCare provides convenient access to professional support from the comfort of your own home. Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life today with MantraCare.
Best Medications for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Medications can be a valuable tool in the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder, particularly when used in conjunction with therapy. Several types of medications prescribed for panic disorder include:
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder due to their efficacy and relatively mild side effects. Common SSRIs used to treat panic disorder include: Sertraline (Zoloft), Paroxetine (Paxil), Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- SNRIs are another class of antidepressants that can be effective in treating panic disorder. Like SSRIs, SNRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Common SNRIs used for panic disorder include: Venlafaxine (Effexor XR), Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- Benzodiazepines are a class of medications that act as central nervous system depressants, providing rapid relief from symptoms of anxiety and panic. Common benzodiazepines used for panic disorder include: Alprazolam (Xanax), Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin).
In addition to SSRIs and SNRIs, other classes of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), may be prescribed for panic disorder in certain cases.
Remember, when considering medication options for panic disorder, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual needs and medical history.
Some Natural Ways to Manage Panic Disorder
In addition to therapy and medication, several natural remedies and lifestyle changes can help individuals manage symptoms of panic disorder.
While these approaches may not replace professional treatment, they can complement traditional therapies and contribute to overall well-being. Here are some natural ways to manage panic disorder:
- Practice deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or the 4-7-8 technique, to promote relaxation and reduce the intensity of panic symptoms.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine, such as walking, jogging, yoga, or tai chi.
- Adopt a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
- Prioritize getting enough sleep each night, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
- Consider herbal supplements, such as passionflower, valerian root, or chamomile, which have calming properties and may help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
- Identify and avoid triggers that exacerbate panic attacks, such as caffeine, nicotine, stressful situations, or crowded environments, whenever possible.
- Cultivate supportive relationships with friends, and family members who can provide practical assistance during difficult times.
Conclusion
Panic disorder is a serious condition but it can be treated with the right therapies. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, mindful meditation, and online therapy. It’s important to understand your symptoms and find the best treatment plan for you. With the support of a qualified mental health professional and an individualized treatment plan, you can learn how to manage or even overcome panic disorder.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension. If you have any queries regarding Online Anxiety Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Anxiety therapy session
