Panic Disorder Treatment Centers in Los Angeles

A panic disorder causes sudden and unexpected attacks of severe anxiety, accompanied by an array of disabling, uncontrollable physical symptoms. These attacks peak quickly, are highly intense, and may not subside until the sufferer is able to return home or to another safe and familiar environment. Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder. Panic Disorder may appear in families, based on a genetic basis. Panic attacks are also associated with a history of psychological trauma, and attacks may be triggered specifically by factors related to previous trauma. Panic attacks can also occur with seemingly no specific trigger. Specific medical conditions can be associated with panic attacks, including mitral valve prolapse, thyroid problems, and hypoglycemia. Persons taking cocaine or methamphetamine, or over-the-counter addictive drugs, or high levels of caffeine have an increased risk of having panic attacks. Stress is often a precipitating factor for panic attacks. Panic Disorder often arises during transitional periods in life such as graduating from college, changing jobs, divorce, or even marriage and birth of a child. A history of physical or sexual abuse or psychological trauma is associated with panic attacks.

Types of Panic Disorders

Panic disorder is diagnosed in one of two forms:  with or without agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is an intense fear of unfamiliar places and unpredictable environments. It is such a serious condition that sufferers are often unable to leave their homes without experiencing panic symptoms, and they may choose to stay inside continuously to protect themselves from their anxiety. Panic attacks are a frequent cause of agoraphobia, and when panic disorder with agoraphobia develops (as it will between one-third and one-half the time), it means the fear of panic attacks has taken over an individual’s life. Panic disorder without agoraphobia is a less severe form of the disorder. But its symptoms are persistent and powerful, and people who suffer from panic disorder without agoraphobia will still go to extraordinary lengths to avoid situations that might trigger a panic attack.

Treatment for Panic Disorders

Panic disorders can be be treated! Research shows that the most successful treatment for panic disorder is a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Many clinicians recommend CBT as the first-line treatment, with medication added if necessary to make the patient comfortable enough to participate in CBT. Once treated, panic disorder doesn’t lead to any permanent complications. Without treatment, panic disorder can have very serious consequences. The immediate danger with panic disorder is that it can often lead to a phobia.

Although, feeling fear or panic is not a disorder in itself. There are many ways to prevent or stop anxious feelings before they worsen and turn into a panic attack. If you are suffering from a situational panic attack or feel anxious because of a fearful situation, the best thing to do is to walk away from your feared situation. Try performing relaxation techniques, such as taking deep breaths. Changing your diet and sleeping habits can also help you manage anxiety and lessen panic attacks that are brought about by stress or environmental factors.

Therapies for Panic Disorders

Unexpected and repeated panic attacks that occur under normal circumstances require specialized treatment to control them. Fortunately, panic disorders are not usually difficult to treat. In general, the available treatment options for panic disorders include attending counseling sessions with a psychiatrist or a support group and taking prescribed medications as indicated by your doctor.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Treatment for Panic Disorders

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common treatments for panic disorders. During CBT, the patient is taught how to change their perspective about their particular fears. During the behavioral therapy, the patient learns how to react to apprehensive or anxiety-provoking situations.

Exposure Therapy for Treating Panic Disorders

Exposure-based therapy is a form of CBT that is meant to reduce anxiety and fear responses of people to certain situations. During exposure therapy, the patient is gradually and repeatedly exposed to the feared object, place or situation. The therapist may use pictures or videos to represent the patient’s fear until a face-to-face encounter can occur. The therapist can accompany the patient during the personal encounter with the feared object, place or situation.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for treating Panic Disorders

Aside from CBT and exposure therapy, other complementary therapy and treatment methods that can actually help people with panic disorder include Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). This therapy teaches patients to live in the moment and view things without judgment.

Prescription medication and Over-the-Counter Medications

Like other psychological conditions, panic disorder can be controlled with prescription medications. Antidepressants are often used to reduce the severity of panic attacks and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. Some of the most commonly used antidepressants include:

• SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which block the reabsorption of serotonin by the other nerve cells in the brain
• SNRIs or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
• Benzodiazepines, which are often used as a short-term medication to relieve anxiety
• Tricyclic antidepressants, which are sometimes used as a substitute for benzodiazepines

All these medications have side effects, some of which include sleepiness, insomnia, weight gain, abdominal stress, blurred vision, dry mouth, headache, and sexual dysfunction. Consult your doctor to get more detailed information about these medications.