Panic Disorder
When you suffer from panic disorder, you are dealing with a condition that interferes with your everyday life. You feel as though your world has come to an end and you can no longer control it. These feelings can be frightening. Often, sufferers find that their symptoms recur on a regular basis. This makes the condition frustrating for the individual, making them want to seek treatment for panic disorder as soon as possible.
What exactly is a panic attack? Many times, symptoms of panic disorder resemble those of an anxiety attack or even a heart attack. Panic disorder can be diagnosed after emergency room visits or medical tests have ruled out other more serious medical problems.
Many people who suffer from panic attacks report feeling as if they are going to die. Some may even feel as though their heart is going to stop beating. These symptoms usually fade away within a few minutes. Some sufferers have no symptoms at all.
In the beginning, doctors and researchers believed that the panic attack itself caused the symptoms. Although this is true in the short term, many patients experience these symptoms due to an underlying medical condition. Because of this, doctors consider it a separate condition that is caused by another condition.
A doctor will first have to rule out any underlying medical problems, like anorexia or depression. If a patient does have an underlying medical problem, then the doctor may prescribe a combination of medication and therapy. The medications are intended to combat the physical symptoms of the panic attacks. Over time, the person may find that the medication alone is not enough and may require additional therapy to address other aspects of panic disorders.
Once the doctor has ruled out other underlying conditions, then the doctor will work on getting the patient to realize that the panic disorder is not life threatening. They can help to alleviate the emotional symptoms as well. Therapy may be given to address the fears that cause the panic attacks and to provide information about the panic attack. Anxiety management techniques can also be used to help manage the feelings associated with panic attacks. If all the symptoms persist, doctors may recommend talking to a psychiatrist for advice on whether medication or therapy might be more appropriate. for your particular situation.
Treatments for panic disorder can vary from person to person. Doctors and therapists often recommend medication and counseling, but in some cases, medication and counseling may be ineffective. In these cases, there may be other options, including medication, that are available to treat panic disorder.
Medications may include antidepressants like Paxil or Zoloft and anti-anxiety drugs such as Xanax. In some cases, medications may need to be used along with counseling to address the panic disorder completely. In most cases, however, the most effective treatments are those that are used in conjunction with counseling and therapy. A combination of medications and counseling is probably the best treatment, especially if the person is in their early stages.