Treatment For Panic Disorder
An Overview Of Treatment For Panic Disorder
The goal of any treatment for panic disorder is to lower the frequency of the sufferer’s panic attacks and to reduce the severity of the symptoms being suffered.
The treatment for panic disorder involves either a) psychological therapy or b) medication. Much depends on the individuals circumstances and treatment for panic disorder will often involve a combination of both forms of treatment.
The decision as to which form of treatment for panic disorder is normally made through discussion between the patient and the doctor taking into account the potential for any possible side effects and personal circumstance.
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Cognitive behavioural therapy being the most common type of common type of psychological therapy for panic disorder. This normally involves working through the patients various negative thoughts and beliefs through weekly sessions with qualified therapist. Usually topics of conversation include how you react when you are having a panic attack and what thoughts you are simultaneously having.
Any areas of negativity can then be worked through and the therapist will attempt to enable you to replace them with more positive and realistic thoughts. A therapist is also likely to introduce you to an array of strategies which usually include breathing techniques and visualisation.
Support groups are another source of treatment and support for panic disorder patients which fit in well with CBT. Sharing experiences with other people suffering in a similar manner can be very reassuring and helps to minimise the often isolating feeling of suffering from panic disorder. Your local doctor will be best placed to recommend a suitable group to join.
Aside from the above treatments for panic disorder a course of Antidepressants is commonly prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner. Unfortunately these type of medication are often associated with depression.
Unusually with medication it can take between 2 and 4 weeks for the anti-depressants to really kick in so in the beginning persistence and patience is required at first before any judgements can be made as to the effectiveness of this style of panic disorder treatment for you.
The two most common types of medication usually prescribed in treatment for panic disorder are:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- tricyclic antidepressants
SSTIs are the usual first choice of medication for treatment of panic disorder but of course your doctor will be monitoring your response to any medication but only you will be able to decide whether to continue with your medication and for how long you are willing to stay on it for as there are a variety of side effects that may or may not be experienced which can cause a patient to wish to change or discontinue medication. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
Nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, feeling agitated, headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, low sex drive, blurred vision, diarrhea or constipation, insomnia (being unable to sleep) and abdominal pain.
Beta-blockers are one further possible medication used in treatment for panic disorder and these can effectively control the symptoms associated with panic attacks such as trembling and sweating. Of course your doctor will be advising you at all times to ensure there are no conflicts with any other medications you are using.
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