How To Overcome Panic Attacks Safely & Effectively

In this article, I will try and explore the various treatment options available to a patient of panic attacks/panic disorder.

1. Cognitive Therapy - The focus of cognitive therapy is to force a change in set patterns of thinking and beliefs in order to remove the underlying cause of a panic attack. All forms of panic disorders have certain triggers. The aim of cognitive therapy, therefore, is to help the patient overcome anything that triggers their anxiety. Strategies to combat panic attacks include rational self-talk, cognitive restructuring, training to challenge underlying fears and beliefs, and checking the flow of negative thoughts.


2. Behavior therapy - Behavior Therapy aims to fight panic disorders by deliberately exposing a patient to his/her fears. A major cause of many panic attacks are different phobias. Through a gradul exposure to those phobias, this technique can, over time, desensitize you to your fears, letting you redefine the fear aspect of the situation or trigger.

3. Medication - Medication should always be seen as a short term measure, to be used in conjunction with therapy. Most of the medications involved in fighting off a panic disorder are powerful concoctions of drugs that have a lot of side effects, along with being highly addictive. The tendency in patients to abuse these drugs, therefore, is very high. Some of the prescription medications used to fight panic include Valium, Xanax/Zenax, etc. Studies also show that therapy is a much better solution to controlling a panic disorder than short term medications.


4. Diet - An inadequate intake of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals can amplify the symptoms of a panic disorder. All anxiety/panic conditions are hormone controlled, which are secreted by the various glands located throughout the body. These require vitamins and minerals to function at their full efficiency. It has been noted that an irregular and inadequate intake of vitamin B and calcium has been shown to worsen anxiety symptoms. Stimulants like nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, should also be avoided in the diet as they trigger the release of adrenaline - one of the major stress causing chemicals. One should adjust his/her diet to include a healthier variety of foods, with plenty of vitamins and minerals. ALso consider taking dietary supplements that can fulfill a nutrietn deficiency.


The best treatment for panic disorder will depend on severity and extent of your illness, as well as your past medical history. There is no set treatment for a psychological condition such as this, and the level and speed of recovery can vary from person to person, depending a lot on the willingness and effort the patient puts into the treatment.