A Good Treatment For Panic Attacks Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most effective treatments for panic attacks today. Triggers are first identified and then, through repeated exposure to the triggers, the panic attack disorder conditioning is systematically "unlearned" as the patient realizes that he or she will not be harmed or killed from the fear.

It is believed that fears like Arachnophobia can be cured in as little as one treatment, with in-Vivo exposure to a spider. Obsessive compulsive disorder and social phobias can be treated in the same way. Cognitive restructuring is the second component of treatment, where a person is taught how to talk themselves out of panicking.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is not for everyone. Some people with severe panic anxiety cannot wait the 10 to 12 sessions to see progress. Of course, some patients immediately begin seeing results and others take months to notice improvement, so it's all relative.

Yet, generally speaking, panic attack medication treatments typically yields immediate results, albeit with a few unwanted side effects or risks. Compared to medication, therapy can also cost more.

It is $150 per session, on average, with insurance companies picking up half the tab, so it is more expensive. Despite these drawbacks, the effectiveness of the treatments for these attacks is indisputable, with 70 to 90% of all CBT patients reporting "significant changes" from their therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for panic attacks helps patients determine the triggers that cause panic attacks, then develop techniques to help them overcome them. In addition to learning to think differently, a therapeutic approach to treatment also involves exercise, eating a balanced diet, meditation, deep breathing, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Over time, a person's panic can become their predominant coping mechanism, which is why CBT is so important in treating the root cause of the panic.

There are a number of books for panic attacks treatment that you may start with. You may begin with the following: "Think Good - Feel Good" by Paul Stallard, "Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Dummies" by Rob Willson, "Cognitive Behavioral Counseling In Action" by Peter Trower, "The 'Putting on the Brakes' Activity Book For Young People with ADHD" by Patricia O. Quinn, "Thoughts & Feelings" by Matthew McKay, "Ten Days to Self-Esteem" by David D. Burns and "Blunder" by Zachary Shore. By finding out what causes panic attacks and learning new coping methods, the anxious person can help him or herself.