Panic Disorder Treatment

Individuals diagnosed with panic disorder often experienced sudden attacks or bouts of fear. They are often unprovoked and out of the blue, and leave the individual fearing when the next attack might occur. They last for several minutes, and might be accompanied by physical symptoms like loss of breath or rapid heartbeat. Panic attacks come from the fear of losing control, even in situations where there is no real danger. The most damaging aspect of panic disorders is that they occur at any time. The person is then left feeling ashamed because they cannot control themselves or carry out normal activities like driving, going out, grocery shopping or any other normal routines.They are therefore left isolated, fearing social interaction because of it.

Millions of people suffer panic disorders, but most of the time the attacks begin in the late teens or early adulthood. It is more prevalent in women than in men. However, it is important to remember that not all panic attacks develop into a panic disorder. Still, the fear that accompanies panic disorder and panic attacks makes it important to seek treatment. Like many other psychological disorders, scientists do not fully know what causes it. In some cases, panic disorders might run in the family, while other cases are influenced by environmental and stress factors. Nonetheless, if any of these symptoms occur, then it is time to seek treatment:

Severe panic disorder often results in agoraphobia, where the individual might end up avoiding places they have had panics attacks at before. Individuals suffering agoraphobia find themselves fearing public places because of the feeling that immediate escape might be difficult. Locations like shopping malls, sports arenas or public transport become no-go zones. Almost a third of individuals with panic disorders develop agoraphobia. Their world becomes infinitely smaller, as they are constantly on guard. They end up developing fixed routes or areas they can access, and rarely ever venture out of their comfort zones.

Many do not realize that the disorder they suffer from is real, or that it has or requires treatment. For yet others, they feel embarrassed having to tell anyone, including doctors and their loved ones, about what they normally experience for fear of being victimized. Despite the fact that there are known and proven panic disorder treatment centers and techniques, many opt to suffer in silence, distancing themselves from family, friends and professionals, the very people who could be helpful to their recovery process.

Panic disorder does not have to restrict anyone’s movement or reduce the quality of their lives. Panic disorders are treatable and manageable. Treatment of panic disorders are mostly aimed at reducing the number of panic attacks, as well as the severity of the symptoms. There are several panic disorder treatment options, key among them being psychological therapy, through cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy has had proven long term effects and is one of the most efficient ways of treating panic disorders. Most of the time it involves spending time with therapists and discussing the reactions that take place when panic attacks happen, and what goes on in one’s mind when they do happen. After the therapists have identified the negative thoughts and reactions, the next phase then involves working with them to replace them with more balanced and realistic ones. Therapy also teaches ways to change behavior, and how to deal with panic attacks should they occur in future.

Support groups also provide useful information and advice on how to deal with the intense fear that comes with panic disorder. Meeting other people struggling through the treatment of panic disorders also helps. Panic attacks are frightening and isolating, and finding people to share the recovery experience with can be invaluable.

Regardless of how severe the panic disorder is, there is hope for treatment. Holding your fears inside only makes the situation worse, and might lead to the development of other related conditions. Many individuals have sought treatment for panic disorders before, and come out the other end able to control their fears.

After identifying the problem, it is wise to see a specialist. Visit our panic disorder treatment centers for help and speak to our experts. Panic disorders only ever have physical symptoms during the panic attack, but this does not make them any less serious. Dealing with them on your own can be overwhelming. Our experts will be on hand to devise an effective panic disorder treatment plan, one that will focus on the individual’s unique situation and help them through the moments of fear.