Most cases of panic attacks can be left untreated because it is a well known fact that it can subside after a few minutes or after several hours. Even without any medical treatment or medical attention provided, those who suffer from panic disorder can definitely survive. Treatment is usually sought to avoid the cycle that can be detrimental to the well-being of the individual who usually experiences panic attacks. It can be a very fearful experience that anyone cannot simply be used to, because it is usually compared to going insane, facing death, or having a heart attack.
Diagnosis and Medications: Panic Disorder Treatment
Therefore, panic disorder is not a joke. It can be very uncomfortable, frightening, and upsetting for the person having the attack. The attack may subside after a few hours but the effects of the anxiety disorder usually take days to recover. Panic disorder is characterized by repeated panic attacks. In order to treat this disorder, there is a need for a formal assessment and diagnosis. The following are usually done:
* The person is usually subjected to aspirin and blood pressure treatment. This is a means to diagnose if the patient is suffering from a heart attack. Upon reading and assessment of results, heart attack can be ruled out and the physician can process with the usual means for anxiety disorder treatment. During the diagnosis that aims to rule out heart attack, an intravenous line is connected to the patient for the direct facilitation of medicines for anti-anxiety like Valium and Ativan.
* Once it is clear that it is purely a panic attack, no medication is usually prescribed. Evaluations are done usually with the aid of a professional in the field of mental health so that possible mental disorders can be diagnosed. Such mental health disorders include depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
* For anxiety disorder, SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are found to be effective. Other medicines like SSNRI (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) and benzondiazepine medication derivatives may also be prescribed by the doctors.
* For physical aspects of the panic attack, propranolol (a beta-blocker medication) may be recommended.
* Should there be any side effects from the above-given prescriptions; doctors usually give tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.
Other Options: Panic Disorder Treatment
There are special cases that should also be considered in rendering any kind of treatment for panic disorder. Remember, anxiety disorder treatment may be different for several individuals; therefore, self-medication is highly discouraged. The following are the other options that can be taken by special groups of victims of panic disorder:
* For pregnant women: Since taking in medicine of any sort can be risky or life-threatening for the baby inside the womb, the doctors may recommend psychotherapy. This is known to be truly effective and it promises lasting results.
* Psychotherapy is considered to be one of the most important components of treatment for anxiety disorder. Such therapy can help a lot in making the sufferer understand emotional issues that are directly linked to the development of the panic disorder. By understanding its dynamics, the proper cure can be easily pointed out and addressed.
For most individuals, medical experts recommend a combination of the methods to see the best results.