Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder
Other Treatment
Other treatments for panic disorder include:
- Counselling. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is most effective in treating panic disorder. Other types of counselling you might choose to seek include:2
- Exposure therapy, a type of cognitive-behavioural counselling.
- 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-centred 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 generally require initial instruction.
Mindfulness activities help relax the mind and are often combined with body-centred 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, which usually involves slow, regular breathing and sitting quietly for 15 to 20 minutes.
- 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. Use these simple imagery exercises for relaxing or renewing your energy when you need to relax.
- Music therapy, which can relax your body, improve your mood, and change the pace of your day.
- Humour therapy, which is becoming widely accepted as a tool for reducing stress and boosting the body's immune system.
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| Author: | Douglas Dana Sabra L. Katz-Wise Ralph Poore | Last Updated: January 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
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