Panic Attack Is Treatable

Imagine you've just entered into a crowded market and suddenly you feel hot flashes, difficulty catching your breath, your heart races.
People with panic disorder have feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly with no warning.
A panic attack may be a one-time occurrence, but many people experience repeat episodes. Two to four percent of the people in America suffer from panic disorder.
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder. It is different from the normal fear and anxiety reactions to stressful events in our lives. Panic disorder is a serious condition that strikes without reason or warning.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a panic attack, which often last about 10 minutes, include:
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
• A sense of impending doom or death
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating
• Faintness
• Tightness in your throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Hyperventilation
• Chills
• Hot flashes
• Nausea
• Abdominal cramping
• Panic attacks can occur at any time, even during sleep.
Treatment
The main aim of treatment for panic disorder is to reduce the number of panic attacks and to eliminate all of panic attack symptoms. The main treatment options for panic attacks are medications and psychotherapy. Both are effective.
Medications
Medications can help reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks.
Several types of medication have been shown to be effective in managing symptoms of panic attacks, including:
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are often associated with depression, but they can also be used to treat panic attacks.
The types of antidepressants that are recommended to treat panic disorder are:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants
Benzodiazepines
These medications are mild sedatives. Benzodiazepines that have been FDA-approved for the treatment of panic disorder include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). If you seek care in an emergency room for signs and symptoms of a panic attack.

Psychotherapy
Studies have shown that psychotherapy is an important component in panic disorder treatment.
The main type of psychotherapy used to treat panic attacks and panic disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy. Your doctor also may recommend a type of psychotherapy called exposure therapy for panic disorder.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the thinking patterns and behaviors that are sustaining or triggering the panic attacks. During therapy sessions, patient learns to recognize things that trigger his panic attacks or make them worse, such as specific thoughts or situations. He also learns ways to cope with the anxiety and physical symptoms associated with panic attacks.
Exposure therapy for panic attacks
In exposure therapy for panic disorder, patient is exposed to the physical sensations of panic in a safe and controlled environment, giving him the opportunity to learn healthier ways of coping.