Panic disorder treatment

Panic disorder is a serious and debilitating mental illness that affects people all over the world. Those who suffer from panic disorder have a series of traumatic events known as panic attacks. A panic attack is similar to having a feeling of impending death or other possible serious harm. Its symptoms include sweaty palms, a sense of unreality, shortness of breath, a choking sensation, and/or intense fear. Many panic attacks are mistaken for heart attacks or other cardiac occurrences.

There are three popular courses of treatment for panic disorder, which are behavior modification therapy, sedative drugs such as Valium and Xanax, and non-narcotic medications such as Paxil and Prozac. A psychologist or other licensed mental health care professional, such as a licensed clinical social worker, can be trained to give behavior modification therapy techniques to panic and anxiety sufferers. Psychiatrists or other medical doctors, such as a family physician, are the only medical practitioners qualified to prescribe drugs such as Xanax or Paxil. Depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms and also his or her medical team’s area of expertise, one, both, or all three popular courses of panic disorder treatment may be ordered.

Medications often take effect faster than therapy, especially sedatives such as Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, and Ativan. However, there are some side effects possible even with non-narcotic antidepressant and anti-anxiety agents such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Wellbutrin. Valium and its sister drugs, known as benzodiazepines, are not recommended for long-term use. Though they usually take effect quickly, there is potential for addiction, a buildup tolerance to the drug which causes a need for dosage increases, and the risk of panic and anxiety returning rather quickly once the drugs wear off. However, they can be helpful as sort of a “band aid” until therapy or milder drugs such as Prozac or Wellbutrin have a chance to take effect.

Therapy is considered the best long-term solution for panic disorder, because it teaches skills, such as through cognitive behavioral therapy, to help patients manage their symptoms. It also has no risk of side effects, but does take much longer for positive results.

Careful research into panic disorder treatment, as well as medical professionals covered by your healthcare plan, is essential to successfully combat the illness’ uncomfortable and life-altering symptoms.