Panic Disorder Treatment - 3 Major Methods Exposed

(My Original Blog Post: http://ping.fm/4hz8G)

The three primary methods of treating panic disorders are behavioral therapies, cognitive therapies, and use of medication.


The behavioral therapy focuses on teaching people with panic disorders to encourage themselves to approach a situation known to create a panic attack. The cognitive therapy helps people control their thought patterns as a means of getting rid of anxiety that is the major cause of panic attacks.


In both behavioral and cognitive therapies, medication can be taken to help you along the way, but they are not an absolute necessity. Studies related to the effectiveness of medication are ongoing.


When is Medication Required?


Medications are rarely recommended to treat panic attacks. Research has revealed that medication should never be used as the only way of treating panic disorders. Drugs can be prescribed only in addition to cognitive and behavioral treatments. If possible, medication should not be used at all, unless the case is extreme.


In extreme cases, medication is required to help the patients make any progress. Drugs are prescribed only if:


Panic disorder is complicated with agoraphobia and the patient cannot bring himself or herself to face any situation in real life that will help him or her to overcome panic attacks.

Patients experience prolonged panic attacks or suffer from panic and anxiety regularly.

Panic disorder is accompanied by depression.

Panic attacks create dangerous situations; for example, the occurence of a panic attack while the patient is driving.


Panic attacks can happen anywhere and anytime although they are not actually related to any situation or event. Panic disorders are commonly accompanied by complex anxiety disorders, such as depression or agoraphobia; so you have to take care of not just the panic attack, but the overall problem.


Best Drugs for Panic Attacks


Studies have shown certain drugs to be effective in the treatment of panic attacks.


SSI Anti-depressants


These drugs balance the serotonin produced by the brain, which in turn reduces anxiety. Anti-depressants usually work well in case of panic disorders for a variety of reasons. Chief among those reasons is the fact that anti-depressants are not addictive.


Benzodiazepines


This popular category of drugs are effective tranquilizers. They work fast but they can become addictive.


Tricyclic Anti-depressants


This medication does not lead to addiction and can help patients deal with depression too. However, they can have major side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision.


Every day, studies on the treatment of panic disorders add something new to the existing body of knowledge. Your doctor will prescribe only those medicines that absolutely essential to help you banish panic disorders. You will never be asked to take drugs as the only method of treatment, but only in addition to other forms of therapy.