Panic Attack Research Conclusions

Summary:
After months of investigating the symptoms, causes and available solutions for Panic Attacks, it has become quite clear that there are only three major solution options.

Each has its pros and cons.

The most appropriate solution will depend on what feels most comfortable to each individual, and even more importantly the individual must truly believe that this solution will work for them.

The level of acceptance of the merits of the solution, is more than half the battle. If the individual does not believe in the solution, it will have very little chance of success.

A solution provider must be adept at helping the panic attack victim understand the causes of their panic attacks.

Once the individual has a complete understanding of the causes, they are better able to relate to suggested solutions.

Based on this requirement to develop a basic understanding of the disorder, solutions that provide one on one support for the panic attack sufferer, have a much greater chance for success.

Perhaps the most incredible finding was that there was very little difference in success rate between these solution options.

Several studies over the last 10 years revealed,

• patients provided with placebos had only marginally less success rates than those provided with various anxiety related drug therapy solutions (they believed that they were being cured).
  




• when time was taken to educate patients on what causes the various symptoms, success rates increased significantly for both those on specific drug therapies and those who were provided placebos. (understanding their symptoms helped them to manage their fears).
  




• one study showed that patients who were excluded from the drug study, but were provided only with educational materials to take home with them, had a success rate that was only marginally less than those on the drug program. (the education was as valuable as the pills)

These studies confirmed for us that education and support is the key.

Panic Attack Solution Options:

1. Using simple techniques to train your brain how to directly battle the causes of panic attacks. We found that the simpler the technique, the greater success it had.
   • Pros
     • quickest path to success based on reported results
     • one on one support available without appointments
     • least expensive
     • easiest to obtain
     • best explanations of the causes
   • Cons
     • tendency not to use the one on one support
     • requires the individual to be self motivated
     • requires purchase online via credit card (our recommendations have highly secure purchase processes)
   • Top Solution Providers
     • Panic Away by Joe Barry ($67) – U.S. based
       • for web site click here
       • for our review click here
         
     • The Linden Method by Charles Linden ($109) – U.K. based
       • for web site click here

     
     

2. Using drug and medication therapies to control the degree or level of panic attacks. Information on this form of therapy was quite consistent. The drugs are intended to reduce the affects of the panic attack, not to directly eliminate them. The theory is that after a prolonged period of being able to more easily cope with the panic attacks, the anxieties would reduce and potentially disappear for the individual.
   • Pros
     • the drugs are immediately effective in reducing the affects of the panic attacks
     • the individual is better able to cope with their panic attacks
   • Cons
     • the drugs are known to have side affects (please ensure that you aware of these)
     • longest time to final cure (difficulty maintaining any level of hope)
     • most expensive option
     • usually little to no explanation of the causes of the panic attacks
     • many individuals never reach the final destination
     • more difficult to have an effective one on one support system
   • Solution Providers
     • Medical doctors
     • Psychiatrists
     • Hospitals

      

3. Using the services of a licensed therapist for behavioral therapies. I believe these to be the second most effective, but it is extremely important that the individual finds a therapist that he or she is comfortable with and who utilizes the more recent behavioral therapies. The individual should ask their therapist to explain the process in great detail before signing up. The individual must believe in the therapy in order for it to be successful.
   • Pros
     • one on one support structure
     • therapies are designed for the end result of eliminating panic attacks
     • a good therapist will provide the detail around panic attack causes and how the therapy will resolve them
   • Cons
     • high cost
     • requires 3 to 6 months of therapy
     • finding the right therapist is time consuming and the individual needs to feel comfortable in walking away from a therapist if the comfort level isn’t established early on
   • Solution Providers
     • These therapists generally have their doctorate degree in medicine
     • In the U.S. the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists (NACBT) manages the accreditation process.
     • I also found an interest group called the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) which provides training and information services to this profession.
       The ABCT have a great list of important things to consider when choosing a therapist. To find this information, you can click here and then scroll down the page to the section titled “How Do I Choose a Therapist?”

In the final analysis, the choice is really up to the individual.

May your choice bring you what you are hoping for !!!!

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