Question:
What kind of therapy treat Very Sereve Panic attacks?...
Answer:
I thought they were all severe!
If the panic attacks are really bad, you would probably need some meds, whether
that be benzo`s and/or antidepressants to lower your anxiety and panic before
you could approach any kind of therapy.
The most effective therapy for anxiety and panic is cognitive behavioral
therapy.
Here is a link that has alot of info on this type of therapy.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/therapycbt/
High potency benzodiazepines, particularly Xanax and for many also
Ativan, will nip a PA in the bud. Sometimes a maintenance dose is
necessary (Klonopin is a good benzo for that although it can be done
with Xanax, Ativan or Valium as well) and benzos are often combined
with antidepressants most of which also have anxiolytic properties. IMO
Xanax is the first choice med for *acute* relief.
See, for instance:
http://www.cognitivetherapy.com
http://panicdisorder.com/cs/therapycbt/
Klonopin (generic name: clonazepam) is a long acting benzo which is a
first choice anxiolytic, especially as a maintenance med (at a regular
daily dose). Shorter but faster acting benzos like Xanax and Ativan are
more suited for *very quick* relief than Klonopin because they work
within 10-15 minutes for most and even faster when taken under the tongue.
after awhile and with lots of practice (particulalry writing type work at it
since by doing this your ability t learn it and absorb it is better) it will
almost eliminate most panic attacks-not anxiety itself, but your escalation to
it and when you do have a rapid adrenergic response and go as far as panic, you
will be an observer of it and not a participant-sort of like watching a movie
or using depersonalization to work for you. You are doing great!!!!!!!
