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If you have suffered, or are suffering from panic attacks and panic disorder, you may have done your own research on panic disorder treatments, and have already decided which is the right choice for you. What we all must remember is that what may have worked for our friend or neighbor, may not necessarily work for you.

Every individual is different, as is every experience with panic attacks and panic disorder. Some choose to conduct their own research on panic disorder, some prefer not to know. But when choosing a treatment, it pays to arm yourself with as much information as you can. Knowing more will enable you to make a fully educated decision on how you choose to treat your condition.

There are two types of treatment available for panic attacks and panic disorders - medication and CBT (cognitive-behavioral therapy) The difficult task is working out what works for you.

The majority of sufferers tend to find that using both methods at the same time is the best way to effectively control or prevent their panic attacks or panic disorder. Clinical experience tends to agree with this statement, and studies are underway to work out what kind of patient was be better off with this combined therapy for their conditions.

CBT treatment needs a therapist who is one hundred percent trained in the field of treating panic disorder. The majority of patients will find that they are being treated by two Doctors. One will prescribe their medication and record their progress on it (if medication has been chosen) and the other will provide CBT.

You need to have a therapist that you feel comfortable with one that you can open up to easily. If you can't be one hundred percent honest with those that are trying to treat you, your recovery process will take longer.

Most people start seeking treatment through their local GP, and then get referred from there. That isn't the only option though, there are community mental health clinics you can go to or check out your local health department.

If you are living near a University, you could ask if you could participate in a panic disorder study. May universities have ongoing research programs in their psychology and psychiatry departments and you have a chance of receiving treatment for less cost.

Before deciding on a health care professional to suit you, you may wish to consider asking the following questions:

How many patients has the healthcare professional treated?

Do they have any specific training in illnesses related to yours?

What is their basic approach to treatment - CBT or medication or both?

If only one type of treatment is provided, how do you, as a patient, go about finding out about the other one?

How long is the typical course of treatment?

How frequent are the sessions and how does each individual session last?

What fees are involved and how do you find out about whether or not your Health Insurance will cover it?

The more questions you ask, about panic disorder, its treatments and the Doctor treating you, the more likely you will find a health care professional and a course of treatment that would best suit you.

Learn more about this author, K Lochery.
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