Which is better in Panic Attacks, Medications or Psychotherapy

By:David Smith

Most researches promote that a 10-12 session therapy helps as much as medications against panic attacks.
This approach utilizes coaching as anxiety management techniques and usually works better than medications especially in terms or recurrence after final treatment.

Selecting a treatment is a doctors recommendation for the therapy regimen. In severe cases, therapy and medications are combined to get the best results. For infrequent attacks, one can try self-treatment but are usually not proven to work depending on ones capacity and discipline. If after a few internal self therapy sessions, one is still not panic free, then trying another method is usually beneficial.

It is known that most stringer medications give out a faster effect compared to behavioral therapies. The known disadvantages however include side effects and the return of panic attacks after the medication is terminated. In behavioral therapy, panic attacks rarely occur after full treatment and if they do, they are often less than with medication. There is also no risk of side effects. Known disadvantages include slow response to treatment in some individuals. They may also be expensive and time-consuming. Some people also are aware of the stigma attached to therapies especially in social circles.

For some people a CBT or cognitive-behavioral therapy is actually fun as they are allowed to relate with other people suffering from the same condition and are able to recognize the different patterns of a panic attack. Psychologically, the mind does its own effort to overcome a problem when it sees one from another persons point of view. This is more applicable to persons in the beginning stages of panic attack syndromes.

Therapists try very hard to develop confidence in their patience and point out where work is needed. They are also there to aid patients which is ultimately better as psychological assistance is provided. Freely talking about a problem also relieves tension and in a way helps alleviate patterns of disruptions in panic attacks.

For fast relief of panic attacks, some people prefer medications compared to therapies which promotes a longer effect in the treatment of panic attacks. Medication may be prescribed by doctors who, through the lack of other options and knowledge of non-chemical substance treatments believe that panic attacks or anxiety are chemical conditions that a magic pill can alleviate. Sometimes in desperation, and in some cases where anxiety can still be controlled, medications may aid but soon after its effects wear off, the risks of succumbing to another attach is very much anticipated. Other panic attacks brought about by agoraphobia and dependence require more than just plain medications in its treatment.

Studying the patient before prescribing the medications is very important. Knowing the occurrence of attacks, its frequency and its strengths is vital prior to medical prescription. Other psychologists and psychiatrists would require their patients to rely on therapy and use medications for a certain period of time to allow the body and the mind to treat itself after a period of normalcy provided by the meds in the intervals between attacks.

Common medications include antidepressants to treat the panic disorder which is effective and totally eliminates panic with little or no side effects. However, antidepressants are quite slow-acting and cannot be taken in large doses all at once. Sometimes, by the time the antidepressant effects are fully generated in the body, non-invasive therapy through counseling may have already taken effect and decreased panic attacks through the brains own adjustment with little therapy.

Valium group or benzodiazepines are fast-acting within the first hour of the first dose. The side-effect is it potential to promote addiction as the body gets used to the medication. Usually, continuous usage after a period of 2-3 weeks results to drug tolerance.
Some doctors would offer benzodiazepines for a few weeks while you're trying to find an effective therapist. As soon as they are tapered off, the doctor assumes that one should be no worse when you stop than when you started. Some individuals can take medications for a few months, then stop, and remain free from panic attacks. Ideally, medications are discontinued after a specific goal is attained.

Digg del.icio.us Blink Stumble Spurl Reddit Netscape Furl

Article keywords: panic attack, anxiety relief, panic, anxiety

Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com

David Smith is the owner of Keyboard Books. You can find out more about Panic Attacks by going to http://www.panicattacks.keyboardbooks.com

Top Health Articles
1). Collarbone Injury By : Frank Vanderlugt The clavicle or �collar bone� connects the scapula bone in the shoulder to the sternum in your chest. It functions to hold the shoulder upward and backward. Clavicle fractures are common bone injuries. A break in the clavicle bone is usually a closed fracture that normally takes approximately 6 weeks to heal in an adult, 4 weeks in a child. The injury rarely requires surgery.
2). The Hottest Hair Trends And The Sexiest Hairstyles For 2007 By : Copyright 2006 David Maillie Hair has become unequivocally important as it can literally make one look like a movie star or a has been from Hee Haw, which died out many years ago. It is big enough that it is a multi billion dollar industry and the average bill in a salon is approaching $100. In the big cities with a hot hairstylist like Jonathon in Beverly Hills prices can easily top $500 for a cut and style.
3). Muscle Imbalance And Chronic Injuries By : Jeff P. Anliker, LMT Injuries can occur anywhere and at anytime, but the most prevalent place of occurrence is in the workplace. The reason for such a high rate of injury is that people spend 8-18 hours a day, 5-7 days a week performing unidirectional (one-way) movement patterns, causing an imbalance in the musculoskeletal system that results in the overuse and under use of certain muscle groups.
4). Why Whey Protein? By : Sandy Knoll With all of the recent negative press given to body supplements, it makes good sense to be cautions about using different nutritional supplements as a part of your body building efforts. Whey protein has been lauded as a safe, natural and simple supplement. It's use has become popular for those genuinely interested in good health through physical fitness and body building.
5). Autism and its Generated Behavioral and Mental Impairments By : Groshan Fabiola Autism is a complex neurological disorder that dramatically affects people�s behaviors and social interactions. The disorder can be revealed in early childhood, by the age of 3. Although the first signs of autism can sometimes be identified in infants, the disorder is usually discovered at a later stage of life. Autistic children present a wide range of behavioral abnormalities, and they can be easily identified among normal children.
6). Why Asbestos Cancer Affects More Men? By : Alfred J.James Who needs to be examined? Individuals who have been exposed (or suspect they have been exposed) to asbestos fibers on the job or at home via a family contact should inform their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function tests, may be recommended.
7). The Benefits of Martial Arts Training By : Clint Leung As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today�s world just as it was hundreds of years ago.
8). Study Says Obesity May Be Caused By Virus By : Rick Hendershot In new study published this month, a research team claims to have found evidence that a contagious virus can contribute to obesity. The team found that a specific human adenovirus Ad-37 seems to trigger obesity in chickens. Previous studies had linked other adenoviruses -- Ad-36 and Ad-5 -- to obesity in animals. These and other adenoviruses cause colds and other common illnesses in people.
9). How Long Will It Take To Gain Muscles\| Build Muscle Mass By : Chris Chew There are many factors to consider when you want to know how long will it take for you to gain and build muscle mass. Questions like are you eating enough and the right nutrients to accelerate muscle growth, are you exercising correctly and regularly and do you have the genes for quick muscle growth need to be addressed. In this article, we shall discuss whether you have the genetic make up to gain and build muscles quickly.
10). Breathe Easy: Some Asthma Relief Tips By : Nick Carter Asthma is the seventh-ranked chronic health condition in the United States and the leading chronic illness of children. It is a chronic inflammatory disease that makes airways (bronchial tubes) particularly sensitive to irritants. During an asthma attack, tightening of the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes causes them to become inflamed, narrow inside, and produce excess mucus.

New Health Articles
1). How To Break An Addiction By : John Morris You need to evaluate the problem and find what triggers your addicts and what specific need it is using. Once you have determined that, you can begin breaking yourself of the habit one step at a time...
2). How Disabled People Overcome Their Disabilities For Better Sexual Health By : Gregg Hall For the most part these people can participate in sexual activity and take pleasure in the intimacy of having a partner. Participating in a healthy sexual relationship is a critical part of therapy do the disabled and helps them rebuild self confidence.
3). Fight Those Winter Time Blues ! By : ian Williamson In North America, it is estimated that 50 to 60 percent of the population is affected by winter depression.
4). Cord Blood Banking: A Medical Safety Net By : Greg Roy Why pregnant women should consider cord blood banking when their children are born.
5). Make Your Heart More Healthy By : Dan Sherman Does it seem like there are more health risks these days than there were in the past? Well, the plain and simple truth is, there are. Now, more than ever, people around the globe grapple with various heath afflictions.
6). The Best Ways To Quit Cigarette Smoking By : Jonty Smith The author packed in his 40-a-day habit within a few hours. He did it quickly, easily and painlessly. Why then do so many other smokers struggle to quit? In this article, the author explains the best ways to quit cigarette smoking, and why many of the established methods are counter-productive.
7). Can Chocolate Really Kill Your Dog By : Gregg Hall We have all heard this all of our lives but how big a threat is it really? Is it life threatening or will it just make him sick? How much chocolate does the animal have to eat for it to cause a negative reaction?
8). The Attraction Of Magnetic Therapy By : John Morris Magnetic therapy is an alternative treatment for common ailments. The most commonly treated ailments for that magnetic therapy is used for are arthritis, pain, inflammation, muscle tension, migraines, tumors, asthma, allergies, diabetes and many other joints or healing complaints...
9). Symptoms, Signs, and Triggers of Anxiety Attacks By : Amit Mehta Discover key symptoms and signs of anxiety attacks, and how they affect the lives of anxiety attack sufferers. Also, learn how an anxiety attack can be coupled with agoraphobia, the fear of open spaces.
10). Power Scooters...Ask The Right Questions To Get The Right Answers By : RC Rougeux Asking the right questions can help you find out the information important to you. Use these when shopping for your next power scooter.

� 2006 articles2k.com - Privacy Policy