When you sometimes suffer from shortness of breath, shaking and sweating, you could have a sudden onset of panic attack. Panic attacks can be triggered by various reasons that are sometimes unclear. It can also happen once or a number of times. Here's what you need to know about how to treat panic attacks. Definition of Panic Attack Panic attack happens when our brain acts in a defensive way against perceived threats, internal or external. It can be manifested in a person in different ways. A person with panic attack may have heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest pains. Some people who hyperventilate during a panic attack can have a heightened sense of panic due to lack of oxygen. So, what treatment for panic attacks are now being used? Exercise One way to treat panic attacks is by practicing relaxation techniques. A patient can practice yoga, tai chi and other techniques of the same kind. Relaxation is the main purpose of these exercises, so meditation and the solemnity of the environment will help a lot. It's like being one with nature and allowing oneself to relax from deep within the body. Other exercises that can help are breathing and stretching techniques. Diet Diet is one of the most important part in treating panic attacks. Watch your diet carefully and avoid caffeine. It can stimulate more activity rather than relax your brain and body. I know that most of us have already made coffee, soda, tea and even coffee candies part of our diet, but if you are one of those who experience panic attacks, it would be best to avoid them. Nervousness and anxiety can result from too much caffeine in the body. It can also deprive you of sleep that you will need to relax your body. Vitamins and medication Consult a specialist doctor who can prescribe you the necessary vitamins you may need to combat panic attacks. B-complex vitamins help calm a person who is suffering from panic attacks. Other doctors may prescribe certain anti-depressants or anti-anxiety pills to help you relax when a panic attack occurs. CBT - Cognitive Behavior Therapy CBT is done by a therapist to study the causes of panic attacks. Once found, they will resolve it with behaviors and responses that are more acceptable to avoid panic attacks. This will be successful only with the patient's cooperation. Otherwise, knowing the cause of panic attacks will not really lead to a successful resolution. Interoceptive Exposure Therapy Exposure therapy is a proven successful treatment for panic attacks with certain risks. During a session, the therapist will trigger the patient's panic attacks exposing him to the sensations of panic and fear. He will then be assured that the situation isn't dangerous or harmful and will learn to deal with his fear. That knowledge of control over his fear will help the patient deal with his panic attacks in the future. Persons suffering from panic attacks may avail of these treatments. The patient's full cooperation and determination to treat panic attacks is evidently vital to the success of the treatments. Your therapist may advise you that it could only be a psychological thing as there could be nothing wrong with your body physically. So, how to treat panic attacks? Seek the professional advice of your doctor or therapist, and remember to calm down and relax whenever panic attacks occur.
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