Do you suffer from panic attacks? If so, you are not alone. Panic disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2% of adults in the U.S. suffer from panic disorder. The good news is that there are treatments available for panic attacks that can help you get your life back on track. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common panic disorder therapy.
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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.
The Best Panic Disorder Therapy
The best type of panic disorder therapy for you depends on your individual needs. Here is the most common panic disorder treatment:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This type of therapy 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. This work challenges your irrational thoughts and replaces them with more rational ones.
Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy is another type of panic disorder therapy. This type of treatment focuses on changing certain behaviors that can trigger a panic attack. This includes Grounding strategies, such as concentrating on a particular object or repeating certain mantras to help bring yourself back to reality. Cognitive and emotional grounding techniques can also be used to help manage panic attacks. In addition, behavioral therapy can also teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing which can help reduce physical symptoms of panic.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of therapy that focuses on being aware of the present moment and accepting it without judgment. This type of therapy can help you learn to be more aware of your body’s reactions and how to cope with them in an effective way. This may also help reduce the physical symptoms of panic attacks, as well as help you to become more in tune with your body’s reactions. Progressive muscle relaxation is another form of mindfulness that can be used to help relax your body and reduce anxiety. The Guided Imagery work like closing your eyes and imagining yourself in a peaceful environment such as the beach or a meadow, focusing on each body part starting from head to feet.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the situations or objects that cause you to have panic attacks. It is based on the idea that by facing your fears, you can become less anxious and learn better ways to cope with them. This type of therapy may involve using relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualization, as well as real-life exposure.
This type of therapy is similar to exposure therapy but involves imaginal (involving visualizations) and vivo (involving real-life experiences) exposures. This technique works by gradually exposing you to the situations or objects that trigger your panic attacks in a safe environment.
Benefits Of Therapy For Panic Disorder
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.
Online Therapy For Panic Attacks
Online therapy for panic attacks is becoming more popular due to the convenience and accessibility of these services. Many online programs offer personalized treatment plans, tailored to each individual’s specific needs. Online therapy can include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness meditation, and even exposure therapy if necessary. Mantracare is one example of a program that provides online therapy for panic disorder, with options such as video conferencing and text chat.
How To Start The Panic Disorder Treatment?
Here are the tips on how to get started with panic disorder treatment:
- Talk to a mental health professional about your symptoms and concerns.
- Schedule an assessment with a mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for you.
- Work closely with your therapist or psychologist to develop an individualized treatment plan that works best for you.
- Regular exercise can reduce the level of stress and enhance mood. And try to stay positive by engaging or doing something that you would like.
- Getting enough sleep or rest and eating a healthy diet can help lower anxiety and depression.
- Have a healthy diet that contains plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins, and whole grains.
How Treatable Is Panic Disorder?
Panic disorder is highly treatable. With the right therapy, most people can learn to manage their symptoms and live healthy life. Behavioral Therapy is the most effective treatment for panic disorder. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that lead to panic attacks. In addition, lifestyle changes such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can also contribute to managing symptoms of panic disorder.
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
