Panic attacks, which can develop into panic disorder, are not well understood. In some cases, the disorder is hereditary, but the specific causes are unknown. People who suffer these attacks feel intense worry or fear that may result in physical symptoms like difficulty breathing, nausea, or sweating. While attacks affect approximately ten percent of people, panic disorder, or recurring attacks, afflicts around one percent of people. Women are affected more often than men.
Panic Attacks are Not Well Understood
People who experience an attack may feel as though something is seriously wrong with them or like they are losing their minds, even though attacks are somewhat common and not seriously dangerous. They may seem to come out of nowhere, even during a resting state. Sometimes a medical condition or traumatic life event can trigger the disorder; other times drugs or medications may be factors in sparking an attack. Since they are not well understood, treatment for panic attacks or disorder may vary between patients.
How to Treat Them
The two primary panic attack treatment methods are medication and psychotherapy. Before attempting cognitive or medication therapy, a medical provider should verify that no physical or medical conditions exist that are causing or aggravating the attacks. Once other causes have been eliminated, treatment for the disorder can be initiated.
Psychotherapy specifically for panic disorder involves education and behavioral therapy. A patient is taught why the body erodes into a panic state chemically and then how to recognize the symptoms of an impending attack. Once patients understand and can identify attacks, they are aided in developing techniques for warding off and controlling them. In many cases therapy does not have to be long-term, and it may involve relaxation techniques or skills like visualization. The goal of psychotherapy is to give the patient the ability to successfully address an attack, thus combating the fear and hopelessness that accompanies one.
Successful treatment may not even involve the use of medication; when it is necessary, however, medication may include anti-anxiety or antidepressant drugs. Anti-anxiety medications are used to address an attack as it is occurring, while antidepressants focus on preventing attacks or making them less frequent. Generally, these drugs are used in combination with psychotherapy, rather than alone. Furthermore, drugs are not recommended for the long-term treatment of these conditions and psychotherapy is the preferred method for addressing them. If you currently are experiencing panic attacks, treatment is available in the El Paso area.
If you struggle with panic attacks and looking for panic attack treatment, the team at the University of Behavioral Health El Paso can help. Visit them online at Ubhelpaso.com or call 915-544-4000 or 1-800-967-3411.
