Panic attack can be frightening. It can happen at random times and the patient may be exposed to different events that could, unknowingly, trigger an episode. Panic attacks can peak in intensity quickly, then, just as fast, they can pass even without any medical intervention.
Patients who experience panic attacks could have the illogical thought that they are dying or that they are already suffocating. Others feel a pain in their chest, thus, believing that they are having a heart attack. Still others voice fears that they could be going insane.
A few people also experience physical symptoms such as palpitations, rapid breathing, smothering sensation, nausea, or dizziness.
A huge percentage of the …show more content…
There are evidences that it could be genetic, however, the right set of circumstances could also trigger an episode. Nutritional deficiencies are still being studied if they could be probable causes for panic attacks. Food additives such as aspartame more so when combined with food dyes are believed to cause panic attack.
Hope in Psychotherapy
Treating panic attacks can reduce the frequency and intensity of the episodes. The chief treatment options are medications and psychotherapy. Either or both of these treatments may be prescribed by a physician depending on the patient’s history, preference, more so the severity of his condition.
Also known as talk therapy, psychotherapy is known to be an effective primary choice in treating panic disorders. This kind of therapy can also help the patient and his family understand about panic disorder and what can be done to cope with …show more content…
During the sessions, the therapist will desensitize the patient by recreating the panic episodes in a repetitive and safe manner. As soon as the patient no longer panics or feels threatened, the disorder will slowly be resolved.
Medications, on the other hand, can reduce depression and panic symptoms. There are different kinds of medications in managing the symptoms of panic attack –
• SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These are safe with low risk of side effects. These are often recommended as the primary choice of medication in treating panic attacks.
• SNRIs or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors is another name for a class of antidepressants. Panic disorder now has FDA-approved medications namely fluoxetine (Prozac), setraline (Zoloft), and venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor XR).
• Benzodiazepines are sedatives that are used as depressants for the central nervous system. This could become habit-forming when taken in higher doses or during prolonged use. These can also cause physical or mental dependence. Patients who seek emergency care for panic attacks are often administered with benzodiazepines.
• More research is required with regard to the efficacy of inositol. It is best to speak with your doctor prior to trying any