Managing Panic Disorder Without Drugs

Studies suggest that Panic Disorder, an extreme reaction not necessarily triggered by a phobia

, is on the rise. Some sufferers control the condition with drugs, but for others there is another solution - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

CBT involves two steps. The first is to identify common factors that trigger Panic Disorder. The patient keeps a detailed diary in which they attempt to identify common factors that seemed to be present each time they had a Panic Attack. Learning what factors trigger attacks leads to step two, devising methods to alter the behavior of the individual in order to minimize and in some cases eliminate the triggers that cause the attacks.

Even though some start out by treating their disorder with drugs at the onset, there is evidence that CBT can quickly cut down on the issuance of prescription drugs or get rid of them altogether. It is true that the correct modalities that were attempted in the beginning in the beginning stages of the condition can stop the need of the drugs all around.

Another advantage of CBT is that it is a treatment that children can undergo, thereby avoiding the danger of developing an addiction to antidepressants and other drugs commonly used to suppress the symptoms of Panic Disorder. These drugs often have severe side effects and the medical community in general prefers not to treat children with such drugs where other options are available.

Like any treatment, CBT needs to be carefully managed. Regular, honest discussions with a behavioral therapist can adjust the direction CBT takes in teaching sufferers how to recognize the first signs of an attack and defuse them with relaxation techniques. It can take time to identify the triggers; the importance of not giving up and of adjusting the therapy to meet newly identified criteria is paramount. It is likely that combinations of triggers may not be at first apparent, and patterns of behavior that need to be focused on must be carefully considered.

The highest goal of CBT for any who struggle with Panic Disorder is to provide them a non-addictive therapy that has little to no side effects, and is well regarded as successful when used with an advanced technique known as Behavioral Activation that can be used as a therapy in depression and other psychological conditions.

As always with medical or psychological issues, the best person to discuss potential treatment with is the family practitioner. People who believe they are suffering from any form of phobia, particularly Panic Symptoms with no apparent cause, should seek the advice of their doctors before undergoing any form of treatment. The doctor can refer patients to specialists in the relevant area of CBT.

by: Yuval Harpaz

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