Imagine experiencing sudden and intense surges of anxiety and fear that come without warning. Your heart races, you break into a sweat, and it feels like you're gasping for air and unable to think straight. These episodes are known as panic attacks. They can strike at any moment without any clear reason.
Those who suffer from panic disorder often experience these episodes. This condition can affect your performance and diminish your overall quality of life. Having said that, know that panic disorder can be treated. You can understand its symptoms and seek appropriate help to regain control and reduce its impact. So, let us delve into the treatment of panic disorder.
What are the Treatments of Panic Disorder?
Treatment involves combining personalised talking therapies and medication regimens.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) stands out as a leading approach. It emphasises proactive engagement in understanding and modifying the thoughts and reactions that occur during a panic attack. This method allows you to self-refer or be referred by a General Physician to access talking therapy services where you will learn to cope with panic episodes in new ways. Keeping calm during these kinds of situations is the goal here. A therapist's engagement is essential to provide these coping techniques.
It is also advised to schedule regular consultations with a primary care physician to track how well the CBT sessions are working. That way, your treatment will be tailor-made to address your unique symptoms and needs.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually prescribed as part of the treatment regimen. If SSRIs do not yield satisfactory results, Tricyclic antidepressants, like Imipramine or Clomipramine, may be prescribed. People with severe anxiety may also benefit from anti-epilepsy drugs, such as Clonazepam or Pregabalin, which have a dual purpose of alleviating anxiety and epilepsy symptoms.
Antidepressants usually take 2-4 weeks to start working, so it is crucial to be patient when you start taking them. It will also take about eight weeks to see results. It is critical to take prescribed drugs exactly as recommended and not to stop taking them without first consulting a doctor.
- Consultation with Mental Health Specialists
A referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist may be suggested if the first line of treatment fails to produce satisfactory results. These experts do thorough evaluations to create a personalised treatment plan which addresses your specific needs and symptoms.
Conclusion
Treatment review for panic disorder can offer a customised path for every individual. This involves a blend of therapies, medication, and maybe guidance from a specialist customised toward your needs. Do consider investing in health insurance, as you can access quality treatment without losing sleep about the cost. An active healthcare plan lets you focus on the treatment while it takes care of the financial aspect involved.