Overcoming Panic Attacks

For the purpose of this article, we will classify anxiety attack and panic attacks as the same thing. In other words, they are both experiences you go through which cause you to feel extreme panic and terror, especially in situations where there is no real danger or threat existing.

There are several different ways you can overcome panic attacks. But if you look at each treatment option, you can classify it into two main categories – traditional and non-traditional. Additionally, each of these categories have further sub categories, such dietary treatments, behavior modification treatments, medical treatments and so forth.

Traditional Treatments

The most common way to treat panic attacks is with a two prong approach of psychotherapy and medication. In theory, the medication is supposed to stabilize you enough so that the psychotherapy can work for you.

Many people with panic attacks have underwent this type of treatment. However, the problem is that it is often a slow and involving process. Thus, while it is still the go to choice for the scientific community, many people are seeking out alternative treatments for anxiety and panic attacks.

Non-Traditional Treatments

Perhaps the most effective kind of non-traditional treatment is behavior modification treatment. Think of Pavlov's dog. It was trained to salivate when a bell was rung through behavior conditioning. Humans can be trained the same way.

In other words, what now triggers a panic attack can be conditioned to trigger some other feeling... even a positive feeling.

The downside to behavior modification treatments is that it requires a lot of reinforcement to create a lasting association. Not only do you have to first unlink your current association, but you also have to link a new association.

This is a highly skillful procedure that not every psychologist can perform. It's best to go to a behavioral therapist for this type of treatment.

Another popular treatment has to do with taking herbs and other natural supplements. There are certain natural herbal combinations out there that can change the way your body feels. There have been a lot of successful cases where the main treatment for panic attacks was an herbal remedy. However, it's important to remember that each person reacts differently, even to the same herbs.

It's important that you not give up hope if you've only tried one or two panic attack treatments. Different treatments are suited for different individuals. With so many proven options out there, it's just a matter of time before you find one that works for you.