Treatment Tips For Panic Attacks
Once you've finally visited your health care provider and you
have been diagnosed with panic attacks stemming from a panic
disorder, you will be provided with a suggested course of
treatment. In order to make sure the treatment has the best
chance of succeeding, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Participate in Your Treatment
Do not sit back and wait for relief to come by itself! You must
remain very active and aware of your mind and body's reactions
to your treatment. Be ready and willing to ask any and every
question and to address every concern you have with your health
care provider. Open lines of communication will go a long ways
towards increase your treatment's chance of success.
Be Patient
While many patients respond within weeks or sometimes even days
to treatments for panic attacks, no one responds the same.
Furthermore, no known treatments for panic work instantly. Be
prepared to spend at least a full two months following your
initial course of treatment before you start judging its
effectiveness. If you still haven't experienced the improvement
you were seeking, you can always work with your provider to
adjust your treatment plan then.
Be Alert To Side Effects
If part of your treatment involves medication, you will likely
start with a small dosage and work your way up to the level your
doctor is recommending. Of course, be sure you know exactly what
your dosage is and how often you are to take it. Make certain
your doctor explains to you any side effects you might expect.
Usually they diminish with time as your tolerance increases, but
make sure to let your doctor know if you are uncomfortable. Your
doctor may begin lowering your dosage, have you stop taking the
medication or suggest trying an alternative.
Join A Panic Disorder Support Group
These can be a great source of support, relief and information
for those who suffer from panic attacks. Usually a group of a
dozen or fewer patients will gather weekly to talk about their
experiences, their treatments and coping tips.
Just keeping these tips in mind and putting them to use during
your treatment may help make you feel much better and increase
your chances of treatment being effective.