Panic Disorder Treatment - What You Should Know About Panic Disorder Treatment Options!
If you have panic disorder, you are well aware of the effects this condition can have on your life. Thankfully, there are treatment options to help with the symptoms. These include prescribed medications and therapy, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes you can do on your own.
#1 Medication options typically include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications fall into one of four categories, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is the brain chemical that helps modulate mood, appetite, sexuality, anxiety and sleep. SSRIs are the most common medication given for panic disorder treatment.
B. SNRIs affect levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is the brain chemical believed to be responsible for the fight or flight response in the body, which may be overly sensitive in patients with panic disorder.
C. TCAs act on serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as dopamine in a lesser manner. There are multiple theories that indicate that dopamine is involved in psychiatric disorders.
D. MAOIs are typically a last resort for panic disorder treatment [http://www.stopmyanxietypanicattacks.com]. Like other medications, it acts on the levels of brain chemicals. However, due to this class of medicine's tendency to interact with other medications as well as some foods and drinks, it requires a strict diet to prevent problems.
#2 Benzodiapines are anti-anxiety medications. They tend to be addictive so they are generally prescribed only on an as need basis.
Some doctors prefer not to treat anxiety in other ways to avoid the potential addiction.
#3 Psychotherapy methods can vary depending on the provider and what works best for the patient. Cognitive behavioral therapy and panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy are common panic disorder treatment methods.
#4 Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on behaviors or thoughts that may be triggering or prolonging symptoms. Once these have been identified, the therapist works to eliminate these.
Treatment may include desensitization therapy, where patients are given tools to cope with the feelings associated with a fear, and then are slowly and gently exposed to the fear.
#5 Panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy aids patients in opening up to their unconscious. This helps them to identify defense mechanisms that may be playing a role in panic disorder.
#6 Some panic disorder treatments can be done at home as well.
Caffeine, alcohol and drugs can exacerbate symptoms. By eliminating them, you can reduce the occurrence of panic attacks.
#7 Stress relief and relaxation are also key. Yoga, Pilates and deep breathing exercises can help to calm and center you. Aerobic exercise can help relieve tension and encourage the release of endorphins, natural chemicals produced by the body that leave you with a feeling of well-being.
Not all methods of panic disorder treatment [http://www.stopmyanxietypanicattacks.com] work for everyone. In some cases, a combination of treatment options may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Even though it may not seem like it at the moment, treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. With the right combination of treatments, you can have your life back.
#1 Medication options typically include anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications. These medications fall into one of four categories, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
A. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Serotonin is the brain chemical that helps modulate mood, appetite, sexuality, anxiety and sleep. SSRIs are the most common medication given for panic disorder treatment.
B. SNRIs affect levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is the brain chemical believed to be responsible for the fight or flight response in the body, which may be overly sensitive in patients with panic disorder.
C. TCAs act on serotonin and norepinephrine, as well as dopamine in a lesser manner. There are multiple theories that indicate that dopamine is involved in psychiatric disorders.
D. MAOIs are typically a last resort for panic disorder treatment [http://www.stopmyanxietypanicattacks.com]. Like other medications, it acts on the levels of brain chemicals. However, due to this class of medicine's tendency to interact with other medications as well as some foods and drinks, it requires a strict diet to prevent problems.
#2 Benzodiapines are anti-anxiety medications. They tend to be addictive so they are generally prescribed only on an as need basis.
Some doctors prefer not to treat anxiety in other ways to avoid the potential addiction.
#3 Psychotherapy methods can vary depending on the provider and what works best for the patient. Cognitive behavioral therapy and panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy are common panic disorder treatment methods.
#4 Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on behaviors or thoughts that may be triggering or prolonging symptoms. Once these have been identified, the therapist works to eliminate these.
Treatment may include desensitization therapy, where patients are given tools to cope with the feelings associated with a fear, and then are slowly and gently exposed to the fear.
#5 Panic focused psychodynamic psychotherapy aids patients in opening up to their unconscious. This helps them to identify defense mechanisms that may be playing a role in panic disorder.
#6 Some panic disorder treatments can be done at home as well.
Caffeine, alcohol and drugs can exacerbate symptoms. By eliminating them, you can reduce the occurrence of panic attacks.
#7 Stress relief and relaxation are also key. Yoga, Pilates and deep breathing exercises can help to calm and center you. Aerobic exercise can help relieve tension and encourage the release of endorphins, natural chemicals produced by the body that leave you with a feeling of well-being.
Not all methods of panic disorder treatment [http://www.stopmyanxietypanicattacks.com] work for everyone. In some cases, a combination of treatment options may be necessary to achieve optimal results. Even though it may not seem like it at the moment, treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms. With the right combination of treatments, you can have your life back.