There are three general groups of treatments used to treat anxiety and panic attack disorders.
This article will discuss each of the three groups and try to point out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The most important point is to realize that anxiety and panic disorders are treatable.
Once treated, these disorders have a low relapse rate.
See your doctor if you are experiencing high anxiety levels or panic attacks.
There is simply no reason not to get all the help you can in dealing with these conditions.
The first group of treatments involve treating the underlying medical problem if one exists.
There are many medical conditions that may trigger panic attacks.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) for instance is a fairly common condition that causes the heart to beat rapidly.
This rapid heartbeat can trigger a panic attack.
The victim becomes frightened and this leads to a release of adrenaline.
This adrenaline release is enough to trigger a panic attack in someone prone to anxiety and panic attacks.
Treatment of an underlying medical condition is often the quickest way to eliminate the attacks.
Many of these conditions are easily and readily treated.
Simply understanding what is going on often greatly reduces the stress the patient feels.
Less stress often leads to fewer and less severe panic attacks.
There are no real downsides to the treatment of an underlying medical condition.
However, panic attacks frequently occur in people without any underlying condition.
Medication is the second group of treatments.
Doctors have a wide range of drugs that can be used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
Tranquilizers can be very effective at preventing the onset of a full-blown panic attack.
On course, tranquilizers have their own effects.
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from anxiety and panic attack disorders also experience depression.
Many victims find their worlds shrinking as they avoid places and situations that might trigger high anxiety or panic attacks.
Depression is often the result.
There is a wide range of drugs that your doctor can prescribe to help treat depression.
There are a couple of downsides to treatment with medication.
Side effects are one obvious issue.
Depression drugs for instance may take weeks to become fully effective.
Just to add to the fun, depression drugs can trigger panic attacks in the early stages as your body adjusts.
Another downside is cost.
Even with insurance, the cost of these drugs can be significant because they are prescribed long term.
The last group of treatments includes everything else.
These treatments don't involve pharmaceuticals.
At their core, most anxiety and panic attack disorders that don't have and underlying medical cause, are the result of some sort of stress.
Some sufferers have used all therapy, exercise, yoga or herbal treatments successfully.
There are a number of self-help treatments available in books and online for many, these self-help tactics have proven effective as a treatment or when used in addition to other treatments.
This article will discuss each of the three groups and try to point out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The most important point is to realize that anxiety and panic disorders are treatable.
Once treated, these disorders have a low relapse rate.
See your doctor if you are experiencing high anxiety levels or panic attacks.
There is simply no reason not to get all the help you can in dealing with these conditions.
The first group of treatments involve treating the underlying medical problem if one exists.
There are many medical conditions that may trigger panic attacks.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) for instance is a fairly common condition that causes the heart to beat rapidly.
This rapid heartbeat can trigger a panic attack.
The victim becomes frightened and this leads to a release of adrenaline.
This adrenaline release is enough to trigger a panic attack in someone prone to anxiety and panic attacks.
Treatment of an underlying medical condition is often the quickest way to eliminate the attacks.
Many of these conditions are easily and readily treated.
Simply understanding what is going on often greatly reduces the stress the patient feels.
Less stress often leads to fewer and less severe panic attacks.
There are no real downsides to the treatment of an underlying medical condition.
However, panic attacks frequently occur in people without any underlying condition.
Medication is the second group of treatments.
Doctors have a wide range of drugs that can be used to treat the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.
Tranquilizers can be very effective at preventing the onset of a full-blown panic attack.
On course, tranquilizers have their own effects.
Unfortunately, many people who suffer from anxiety and panic attack disorders also experience depression.
Many victims find their worlds shrinking as they avoid places and situations that might trigger high anxiety or panic attacks.
Depression is often the result.
There is a wide range of drugs that your doctor can prescribe to help treat depression.
There are a couple of downsides to treatment with medication.
Side effects are one obvious issue.
Depression drugs for instance may take weeks to become fully effective.
Just to add to the fun, depression drugs can trigger panic attacks in the early stages as your body adjusts.
Another downside is cost.
Even with insurance, the cost of these drugs can be significant because they are prescribed long term.
The last group of treatments includes everything else.
These treatments don't involve pharmaceuticals.
At their core, most anxiety and panic attack disorders that don't have and underlying medical cause, are the result of some sort of stress.
Some sufferers have used all therapy, exercise, yoga or herbal treatments successfully.
There are a number of self-help treatments available in books and online for many, these self-help tactics have proven effective as a treatment or when used in addition to other treatments.