Panic Attacks Treatment
When you sometimes suffer from shortness of breath, shaking and sweating, you could have a sudden onset of panic attack. Panic attacks can be triggered by various reasons that are sometimes unclear. It can also happen once or a number of times. Here’s what you need to know about how to treat panic attacks.
Panic Attack – Definition
Panic attack happens when our brain acts in a defensive way against perceived threats, internal or external. It can be manifested in a person in different ways. A person with panic attack may have heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pains. Some people who hyperventilate during a panic attack can have a heightened sense of panic due to lack of oxygen.
So, what treatment for panic attacks are now being used?
Exercise
One way to treat panic attacks is by practicing relaxation techniques. A patient can practice yoga, tai chi and other techniques of the same kind. Relaxation is the main purpose of these exercises, so meditation and the solemnity of the environment will help a lot. It’s like being one with nature and allowing oneself to relax from deep within the body. Other exercises that can help are breathing and stretching techniques.
Diet
This is one of the most important part of the treatment. You need to watch your diet. Avoid caffeine. It is a stimulant that will keep your brain and body active instead of being relaxed. I know that coffee, soda, tea and even coffee candies are already part of our lives but if you’re experiencing panic attacks, avoid them as much as possible. Too much caffeine in your body can lead to nervousness and anxiety. Avoiding caffeine-rich food and beverage can give you more sleep that you need to relax your body.
Vitamins and medication
See a doctor who can provide you with the necessary vitamins that will help combat panic attacks. Vitamins, such as B-complex, can calm a person suffering from panic attacks. Other doctors would recommend anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medicines that will help you relax during panic attacks.
CBT – Cognitive Behavior Therapy
A CBT is used to determine the possible cause of panic attacks in a patient. This therapy centers on behaviors and thought patterns that triggers a person’s panic attacks allowing one to recognize and face those triggers making the situation more acceptable, which will then help in the prevention or control of panic attacks. A patient’s cooperation is important for the success of this therapy. Otherwise, it will not lead to a successful resolution of the underlying cause.
Interoceptive Exposure Therapy
This is a risky but a proven successful way to treat panic attacks. In a therapy session, the therapist will find ways to trigger the attack. Once triggered, the therapist will assure the patient that no harm that will come to him/her during the attack. Knowing this will give strength to a patient to combat the attacks in the future.
These are the available treatments for panic attacks. But they will only be possible with the patient’s cooperation and determination. As what your therapist may say, everything could just be in your mind. There may be nothing wrong with your body.
So, how to treat panic attacks? Seek the professional advice of your doctor or therapist, and remember to calm down and relax whenever panic attacks occur.