“Are there any treatments for panic attacks?”
I have panic attacks often, and it's affecting my life so negatively. I usually give them the time to let them pass but I don't think I can do that any longer. Are there ways to treat or prevent them panic attacks?
5 Answers
Medication and therapy
Yes there are treatments for panic attacks. Combination of medication with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) would be the best. Medications could be paxil, zoloft, lexapro, trintellix. All medications are good but the question would be which one would be the best for your unique genetic metabolism. I would see a psychiatrist and start one of the medications mentioned along with CBT therapist
Yes, there is treatment for panic attacks. You need to talk to a therapist to learn breathing and relaxation exercises.
Indeed, there are many types of treatment available for "panic attacks". If you are not eager to use medications (of which there are many many choices as of 2019), a starting point is finding a good therapist--meaning a licensed MFT (marriage & family therapist)-which although has that name, more often consists of "individual therapy", meaning just you attend the sessions), LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), Ph.D. psychologist, or master's level psychologist. You may also chose to go a a psychiatrist, because almost all psychiatrists deal with "anxiety disorders", of which "panic disorder" is a sub-type. I would recommend starting with a therapist, be sure this person actually has a LICENSE, in your state (rather than someone who claims to be informed about these conditions but has not gone thru the proper education/licensing to be a licensed practitioner of mental health problems. After seeing the therapist, it is important you are able to develop a "good rapport" with your therapist (male or female, which-ever you prefer, it does not matter, except if you have a preference), meaning you feel comfortable sharing your innermost problems, fears, anxieties, etc, with the "therapist". If the therapist thinks you need medication, she/he will quickly determine ( if this is a reputable, well trained, experience therapist) whether or not you might benefit from medication. At this point your therapist will likely recommend that you go to a psychiatrist for medication treatment. You can choose whether you prefer a female or male psychiatrist (who is an M.D.), & try to get an appointment as soon as possible (often easier said than done, as we happen to have a shortage of psychiatrists all over the USA). Once the psychiatrist does an "evaluation" of your symptoms and your general life situation (stress, family life, work) she/he may recommend medication. FYI- medication is basically trial & error. There is very little science involved (even if your doctor pretends otherwise!). A medication is tried, if it helps you, great. Continue taking it , as needed. If medication does not HELP you, or has intolerable side effects (adverse effects), tell you doctor and switch to another medication. It is possible you may end up going thru several medications until you & your doctor find something that is affordable, effective and without a pile of side effects. Do not get discouraged. This takes time. Anxiety is a very common problem, & as I mentioned "panic attacks" are a type of anxiety. Our American society is very anxiety inducing- jobs, working, family concerns, strife, money, illness, stress, lack of time to take care of ourselves, always feeling rushed, and that "there is not time each day to get done" what you think "must" be done....all of these many factors contribute to panic attacks. Other serious things to consider include exercising, which can make a huge impact on reducing anxiety/panic, yoga or other forms of meditation (mindfulness is a "hot topic" now. Many years ago, all kinds of other therapies were the latest "must try" answer to anxiety such as "intensive, problem focused therapy, Gestalt therapy, humanistic therapy". You name it, all have had their "hey day", in which each was going to CURE everyone of her/his problems. This turned out NOT to be the case. If it were, all of us in "mental health " would no longer have jobs! Best wishes!Laura J. Seed, M.D.Adult & Adolescent Psychiatrist; Treatment of Opioid Dependence with BuprenorphineSan Diego, CA
Laura
Laura
Dear Asker,
I am not your doctor and the following is not medical advice. Panic attacks and anxiety in general are very treatable. Consider making an appointment with a psychiatrist, who can do a full evaluation to determine if and what diagnosis may be, and discuss potential treatments if indicated. In general, there are quite effective medications for anxiety and panic (for example antidepressants) as well as therapies (for example cognitive-behavioral therapy). Often a combination of medication and psychotherapy can be the most helpful for anxiety. Best of luck.
I am not your doctor and the following is not medical advice. Panic attacks and anxiety in general are very treatable. Consider making an appointment with a psychiatrist, who can do a full evaluation to determine if and what diagnosis may be, and discuss potential treatments if indicated. In general, there are quite effective medications for anxiety and panic (for example antidepressants) as well as therapies (for example cognitive-behavioral therapy). Often a combination of medication and psychotherapy can be the most helpful for anxiety. Best of luck.
