subject: Medications and Counseling: Cure to Panic Attacks [print this page] Medications and Counseling: Cure to Panic Attacks
Panic attacks can occur at the spur of the moment. It generates intense and escalating anxiety which brings immense emotional fear and physical discomfort to the person experiencing it. In such situations, several autonomic symptoms like tachycardia, throbbing of vessels, constriction in the chest, burning sensation in the stomach, frequency of urination and inability to relax will result. The patient gets the feeling of being unable to control the situation. There is an urgency to flee or escape from a certain place. These series of events occur within 15 to 30 minutes - few moments of time that can give one a feeling of being disconnected to the world due to the overwhelming and weird sensations going around. As such, to cure panic attacks is a must since recurrent episodes would feel hell to the patients.
Counseling is a primary intervention. This consists of several sessions starting from thorough interviews. Assessments are vital to determine the underlying problem. The patient is made to verbalize anything of grave concern or distress within the previous days. After the cause is established, the therapist would process the information by letting the patient face the fears using appropriate means. The therapist may engage the patient into relaxation therapy or guided imagery. Deep breathing exercises may also help in order to relax taut muscles. Guided imagery involves imagining a desirable and peaceful place to relax. Progressive relaxation involves alternate tightening and relaxing the muscles while allowing tension to flow through the body by means of deep breathing. There is also a method called cognitive restructuring or positive reframing. In this intervention, the therapist teaches the patient to form positive messages to counter panic thoughts. For instance, instead of thinking "I can't breathe. I'm going to die." the patient will think, "This is just panic, it will go away." These positive reinforcements are written on accessible gadgets like cellphones, address books or in memos inside the wallet. The patient can also be encouraged to do "thought stopping" in order to distract the mind from negative thoughts. Another method is through assertive training. This technique fosters self-control since it uses "I" statements. Examples would be the statement, "I will have 30 minutes of uninterrupted relaxation."
Another way to cure panic attack is to take prescription anti-anxiety medications. This can help the person feel more in control, more tranquil and more relaxed. For patients who have difficulty sleeping, these medications can also induce a good night sleep. Examples of these medications are Valium, Ativan, Dalmane, Librium and Serax. Caution must be taken not to overdose the drugs since they can induce Central Nervous System depression. Common side effects include drowsiness, poor coordination, headache and altered sensorium. These drugs must not also be taken without consulting a doctor since they can cause physical dependence. If this develops, the symptoms which were originally the ones being treated will appear again.
Psychotherapy and medication regimens will never be enough to cure panic attack. Both these two methods will only work if the patient as well as the significant others will work hand in hand to manage the problem.
