Panic disorder can lead to unexpected anxiety or panic attacks, causing intense fears that can arise anywhere and at anytime, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Feelings of losing control, impending doom or dying may occur. Physical symptoms may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or abdominal pain. People may avoid situations in which, or locations where, their last attack occurred. Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder that is treatable with therapy and medication.
Psychotherapy
A doctor can diagnose panic disorder and refer the patient to a mental health professional. Psychotherapy helps change thinking patterns to prevent the fear and anxiety that strikes people with panic disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients learn skills to provide them with a sense of control, the Anxiety Disorders Association of America explains. They are taught about the disorder and practice techniques to use with the therapist and on their own. Patients learn to identify their fears and behavior patterns and use positive thinking to help control their response to anxiety-provoking situations. The therapist may use relaxation and imagery techniques with the patient. The patient learns to reduce anxiety and see thoughts in a less disturbing way. Sometimes people are exposed to situations or locations that cause their fears and eventually become desensitized.
Medication
Antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs are used when medication is necessary, according to the online mental health network Psych Central. Some people do not need medication. The medication is usually provided along with psychotherapy. Anti-anxiety medication is often prescribed first because some antidepressants can be addictive for some people. Anti-anxiety drugs need to be tapered off because of side effects of possible seizures when suddenly cutting them off. The kind of medication depends on the individual.
Support Groups
Support groups help patients with panic disorder share experiences and feelings with other people who have the same condition, Psych Central notes. The support groups can also serve as group therapy sessions in which patients practice new coping skills or methods with each other. They can expand their knowledge about the disorder while building healthy relationships with people.
Alternative Methods
Relaxation techniques may be as effective for treating panic disorder as therapy for some people, according to MayoClinic.com. Deep breathing exercises, yoga and meditation provide people with an overall calming effect. Progressive muscle relaxation relieves tension by tensing and then relaxing each muscle throughout the body until all muscles are relaxed. The nutritional supplement inositol influences serotonin, which may affect the emotional state to reduce panic attacks, MayoClinic.com says.
