Panic disorder results in sudden panic or anxiety attacks that produce a sense of feeling out of control, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Some people having panic attacks fear they are experience heart attacks or are about to die. Physical symptoms may include pounding heart, weakness, sweating, dizziness, tingling sensations, chest pains or feelings of being smothered. Treating panic disorder, which is one of several anxiety disorders, involves changing a patient's thinking patterns to avoid fear and anxiety.
Function
Treatment for anxiety disorders includes medication, according to the NIMH. In some cases, medication is started before therapy so a patient can better handle counseling. Medication includes antidepressants, which alter brain chemistry and help brain cells communicate better with each other. Anti-anxiety drugs work well for people with panic disorder. Patients can take them for up to a year without causing harmful side effects. Anti-anxiety drugs are used for shorter periods of time for other anxiety disorders because of their potential to become addictive. Beta-blockers, often used for heart conditions, work for panic disorder by taking care of the physical symptoms that arise from panic attacks.
Expert Insight
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps panic disorder patients realize panic attacks are not causing them real harm, such as having a heart attack, the NIMH explains. Patients learn to change the thinking patterns that cause their irrational fears into ways to react to situations that cause their anxiety. Patients may also be introduced gradually to exposure therapy, which exposes a person to panic-provoking situations to help desensitize the patient's fears.
Effects
Relaxation and imagery techniques help decrease the distress that accompanies fears during a panic attack, according to the Psych Central website. A therapist discusses the patient's fears, which may include irrational thoughts of dying or losing control, that occur during an attack. Discussion helps provide the patient with support and encouragement. Therapeutic techniques are accomplished with the help of the therapist and by the patient alone between sessions to help build confidence.
Considerations
Panic disorder may be accompanied by depression or substance abuse. Each condition needs to be treated separately, the NIMH says. However, group therapy sessions often work among patients with mental health disorders. Panic disorder patients are also encouraged to join support groups that involve people with common experiences.
Benefits
Patients undergoing treatment use lifestyle and self-help methods to manage symptoms when they are on their own. They use the techniques they learned outside of treatment when it comes to facing their fears, the Mayo Clinic explains. Stress management techniques, including meditation and yoga, help supply the mind with positive thoughts. Staying physically active is encouraged to provide a calming effect on moods.
