Panic Attack Treatment

A panic attack is an unexpected episode of intense fear that triggers a variety of severe physical reactions in the human body even in the absence of a real danger and any apparent cause. Panic attacks can be frightening and may cause you to suffer from extreme fear and lose control over your body and mind. When things get out of hand and unseen, you are unable to breathe easily and feel as if you are suffering a heart attack.

Panic attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour. Even though the panic attack ends, the physical and emotional trauma that is incurred may last for several hours and even days at times.

Panic attacks are vastly common. About 2-3% population suffers from a panic attack at some point in their life. But for most, it is a once or twice event and then it never happens. However, those who experience it regularly are suffering from a condition called panic disorder.

A panic attack is often mistaken for an anxiety attack and a panic disorder for anxiety disorder. An anxiety attack is your body’s response to certain stressors. Anxiety builds up gradually. Panic attacks, on the other hand, occur instantaneously and abruptly. Both are signs of an underlying health condition and need to be addressed immediately. Panic attacks aren’t life-threatening, but can significantly affect the quality of your life.

What happens during a panic attack? Signs and Symptoms

With no apparent reasons for its occurrence, it is important to identify the disorder to get appropriate treatment. These are the signs of a panic attack:

What causes Panic Disorder?

The exact reason why an individual is suffering from a panic disorder is unknown. Scientists agree that the brain and the nervous system are responsible for triggering panic attacks. A combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors contribute to the development of panic disorders.

Here are a few factors that can cause the development of a panic disorder:

• Genetics:

Panic disorder appears to run in families, implying that there is a genetic component for the development of this disorder. People with a first-degree relative with panic disorder are more likely to develop it themselves.

• Brain Chemistry:

During the flight-or-fight response, the body is flooded with a wide range of chemicals like adrenaline that activates physiological changes.

• Mental Health Conditions:

Pre-existing mental health disorders like anxiety and depression may result in the development of a panic disorder. Mental health disorders disarm your brain’s capability to assess and address a fear.

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs):

Any traumatic experience from the age of 1 to 17 is considered an ACE. At such a young age the brain is incapable of understanding such situations and creates a response for them. These events often result in the development of a panic disorder. Trauma can also lead to other mental health disorders.

• Life Stressors:

The existence of serious life stressors may also lead to the development of this disorder. Stress at the job, in marriage, with friends, or with family may lead to the onset of panic disorder.

• Chronic Illness:

This disorder may also occur in the case of a chronic illness. Such illness leaves a person hopeless and disabled against their state.

• Substance Abuse:

Substance abuse can lead to changes in brain chemistry and cause changes in levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine that are responsible for regulating mood and anxiety.

Panic Disorder Treatment at Vantage Point

Our specialized staff and individualized treatment plans are perfect for the treatment of panic disorder. Multiple layers of care for all age groups allow us to best serve your needs or the needs of your loved ones. Our specialized programs enable us to peel all the layers and triggers that have caused a person to suffer from panic disorders. Such type of treatment ensures long-lasting and healthy recovery.

Panic disorder treatment can be classified into 2 methods. Though both of them are equally capable, using both methods together will speed up recovery and increase your mental capacity to cope with things in the future.

Psychotherapy:

This is the first and foremost kind of treatment that is given to patients with panic disorder. Your psychologist or counselor will guide you through your journey to recovery by talking about your experiences and teaching you methods about how to react to situations differently. You will be able to cope with your feelings and overcome fearful situations that you may have avoided because of panic attacks.

Medication:

Medications help in reducing the symptoms that appear with panic disorders. There are different medications for every individual depending on their health conditions. Your doctor will switch up medications to see what works best for you. Seeking professional guidance is essential since some of these medications may have side effects.

Other general self practices:

Having a treatment plan and sticking to it will help you stay in control of the situation. But there are several things that you can practice and learn that will come in handy when a situation arises.

• Deep slow breathing:

When you feel that your breath is getting faster, start focusing on each inhale and exhale. Feel your lungs fill with oxygen as you inhale and watch it get empty when you exhale.

• Recognize what is happening:

If you have faced a panic attack before, it is important to remind yourself that the situation will pass and is not life-threatening. Remind yourself that you will be alright.

• Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness Therapy is the practice of being in the current moment without any judgment or distraction. Practicing mindfulness is a great way to ground your thoughts. You need to observe your thoughts and sensations without reacting to them.

• Relaxation techniques:

Relaxation techniques can be used as an effective tool to reduce overall stress levels and prevent panic attacks. Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, meditation, and yoga are some relaxation techniques that will uplift your body and mind.

• Lifestyle changes:

Changing certain aspects of your lifestyle can also reduce the severity of the symptoms during an attack. Following a balanced diet, exercising, joining support groups, limiting substance use, and managing stress sources will lead to amazing results.

The Takeaway:

Panic attacks are uncomfortable experiences that are not physically harmful but take a toll on your mental health. Seeking professional help is a way out of this uncomfortable situation and towards a better life. Do not be embarrassed about your mental health and talk to your doctor for speedy recovery.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of Panic Disorder, contact a mental health provider for assistance.

For more information on the Panic Attack Recovery Program at Vantage Point please contact us 7 days a week at (866) 482-2761.