Panic Disorder Treatment
Medication.Effective treatment for panic disorder is available. Most people are able to overcome the disorder with the help of medication, specialized psychotherapy, or a combination of both. The first step is to block the attacks with the help of medication. There are several options, but the anxiolytics, particularly alprazolam make a good choice. Taken in high doses, the medication benefits quickly and provides relief within a day or two. It has few physical side effects, but it can be highly addictive and can impair mental ability in the long run, leading to deficient concentration and loss of memory.
Antidepressant medications are another good option. They eliminate panic symptoms and provide relief in 80 to 90 per cent cases. The tricyclic antidepressants, amitryptline and clomipramine work well, but must be taken for at least four to six weeks. They also may cause side effects such as a dry mouth, constipation, blurring of vision, dizziness and drowsiness. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including paroxetine and fluvoxamine, usually have fewer side effects and are quite effective. The biggest difficulty, however, with any medication is the high rate of relapse once a person stops using the medication.
Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioural therapy, helps control panic attacks. Under this method therapists help people reconstruct the physical symptoms of the panic attack and teach them to think rationally about the situation. Most people feel better with just eight to ten sessions. Physical relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga and muscle relaxation also ease the stress and prove useful in developing a sound coping mechanism to control the panic attacks.
Tagged under:alprazolam antidepressant medications anxiolytics cognitive behavioural therapy control panic coping mechanism fluvoxamine loss of memory medication muscle relaxation panic attacks panic disorder panic symptoms paroxetine physical relaxation techniques psychotherapy selective serotonin reuptake serotonin reuptake inhibitors tricyclic antidepressants