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Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder - Other Treatment
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
-
Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
Other treatments for panic disorder include:
- Counseling.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is most effective in
treating panic disorder. Other types of counseling you might choose to seek
include:
- Exposure therapy, a type of cognitive-behavioral counseling.
- Family therapy, which can help those who care about you learn about panic disorder and help you maintain good relationships.
- Self-help materials, such as instructional videos, books, and audio materials, that can help you learn to cope with panic disorder or anxiety.
- Support groups. Support groups are often good places to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions related to panic disorder.
- Online discussion forums and Web sites.
Body-centered relaxation exercises can be useful for reducing anxiety and treating symptoms of stress. They include:
- Breathing exercises, such as roll breathing (a type of deep breathing).
- Progressive muscle relaxation, which reduces muscle tension by relaxing individual muscle groups.
- Massage, such as shoulder and neck massage.
- Aromatherapy, which uses the aroma-producing oils (essential oils) from plants to promote relaxation.
- Yoga, tai chi, and qi gong, forms of exercise and meditation. They typically require initial instruction.
Mindfulness activities help relax the mind and are often combined with body-centered relaxation exercises. These include:
- Autogenic training, which is used to return the body to a normal state after a stress response.
- Self-hypnosis, which can open the mind to suggestions that can relieve stress or change the way you respond to stressful situations.
- Meditation, where you focus your attention on the things that are happening right now in the present moment. One way to do this is by paying attention to your breathing. For information, see:
- Guided imagery (visualization), a method of using your imagination to help you relax and release tension caused by stress. Your body responds to the images in your mind. To try guided imagery, see:
- Music therapy, which can relax your body, improve your mood, and change the pace of your day.
- Humor therapy, which is becoming widely accepted as a tool for reducing stress and boosting the body's immune system.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 15, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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