Is there a cure for panic attacks? In the sense of a permanent guarantee that the symptoms will not return at some point in one’s life, there’s no cure. Nonetheless, there are excellent fast-acting treatments available that help to eliminate the symptoms and quickly improve the general state of the sufferer.
Tranquilizers as a Cure for Panic Attacks
The fastest acting cure for panic attacks are tranquilizers. There are two types of these medicines available today: benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine tranquilizers.
The benzodiazepine drugs help to quickly relieve the symptoms, but they have their cons. These include the return of the symptoms after the discontinuation of the drug, the risk of developing drug dependence, as well as the risk of a temporary impairment of attention, memory, concentration, and coordination. These drugs are taken for up to 2-4 weeks, in the beginning of the treatment course.
The non-benzodiazepine tranquilizers as a cure for panic attacks have a slightly inferior effect, but they don’t cause drug dependence and don’t impair the cognitive functions. Their side-effects include drowsiness (usually passes within the first week of treatment), indigestion, dry mouth, and dizziness.
Antidepressants as a Cure for Panic Attacks
The other common cure for panic attacks is antidepressants, which fall into three main types: tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and dual-action antidepressants.
The tricyclic antidepressants eliminate the symptoms of anxiety and depression fast. They also improve sleep. They are often used for the prevention of anxiety, for long periods of time. Their side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and temporary cognitive impairment. These drugs cannot be prescribed to people with certain health disorders.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a safer cure for panic attacks. They have minimal side effects, as well as they don’t cause drug dependence. They are used long-term. The only notable disadvantage of these drugs is that the patient has to wait for 2-4 weeks for the drug to come into effect. Their side effects include nausea, constipation, loose stool, sleep disturbances, sweating, and sexual dysfunction.
The dual-action antidepressants are the newer type of cure for panic attacks that have high effectiveness and minimal side effects. They eliminate a broader range of anxiety and depression symptoms.
Psychotherapy as a Cure for Panic Attacks
Psychotherapy represents the non-pharmaceutical cure for panic attacks. This option is commonly used in combination with the medicinal treatment methods. The therapist and patient work together on the patient’s issues, trying to lure the root cause of the disorder from the depth of the subconscious mind to the surface. Once the root cause is located, the therapist and patient work on its elimination using various psychotherapeutic methods.
The treatment may also include learning to handle stressful situations, learning to relax the mind and the muscles, and mastering simple breathing techniques.
Conclusion
As of yet, there is no permanent cure for panic attacks. However, the present treatment methods can free any patient from their disturbing symptoms, helping them to get back to an ordinary life in the shortest period of time. If you suspect that you are suffering from panic attacks, it is essential for you to turn to a doctor for timely help. The doctor will develop an individual treatment plan for you, which will help you start feeling better almost immediately.
