A Future Treatment Model For Panic Disorder
Training in Emergency Medicine and Primary Care Doctors for Early Diagnosis.
The best way to reverse panic disorder is to catch it in its early stages. Panic disorder sufferers may experience a variety of somatic symptoms, including dizziness and shortness of breath, weakness, chest pressure, heart pounding, and numbness in the extremities. A short self-administered screening instrument can be used in conjunction with a diagnostic assessment to confirm that panic disorder has been diagnosed.
Intervention Levels
Level 1: Education: Doctor Diagnostic Presentations and Patient Education
The Doctor presents panic disorder diagnosis in the same way he would present a medical diagnose. The Doctor can provide a detailed explanation of panic disorder and educational information about the mind-body connection, as well as the activation or fight response to perceived danger. These are all important functions. The provision of a definitive diagnosis of panic attacks symptoms at the onset of the condition can validate the patient’s complaints and reduce uncertainty. It can also eliminate any worries about other, more serious medical conditions that may have been overlooked. This can provide immediate relief, prevent “doctor doubt”, and “doctor shopping” and allow you to swap doctors.
Level 2: Education and Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment Self Improvement Manuals and Books:
The doctor recommends Level Two intervention for those with early-onset panic disorder. This involves brief training manuals that are highly competent. There is a lot of evidence that Cognitive Behavioral Treatment for Panic Disorder (CBT), produces strong outcomes. It should be the first line intervention. Clum demonstrated that a manual-based training approach to CBT can be effective in treating panic disorder. The scientific evidence supporting CBT’s effectiveness has been criticized by the lack of training for Behavioral Science Providers. There aren’t many behavioral scientists who have extensive experience in providing CBT interventions for panic disorder. In her book Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dr. Craske reports that 17.8% of Behavioral Sciences Training Programs offer instruction and supervision in cognitive behavioral therapy. Dr. Barlow, along with Craske, have created a training manual called “Mastery of Your Anxiety & Panic”, which can be used as a Level 2 intervention. As Level Two interventions, Dr. Claire Weekes’ classic “Hope and Help For Your Nerves” and Dr. George Clum’s book “Coping with Panic”, both work well.
Level 3: Education, a Multi-Media, Scientifically Based Program. Delivered By a Behavioral Scientist Expert in the Field CBT for Panic Disorder:
Multi-media programs that reproduce the content of in-office programs in a multimedia learning format, with manuals and video instructions, can help bring concepts to life and offer higher levels of intervention. Multimedia presentations can have a greater impact on panic disorder but require more motivation and commitment. Also clear doubt on Can I buy Xanax online without a prescription here.
Level 4: Referral To a Behavioral Scientist who is an expert in the delivery of CBT for Panic Disorders in the Local area.
If educational intervention fails to produce the desired result, then CBT for panic disorder must be delivered by a professional in a face to face setting. It is important to conduct research to find qualified providers in particular geographic areas.
Level 5: If learning-based interventions are not delivering the desired outcome, then anti-anxiety medication should be considered.
A large body of scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of anti-panic medication for reducing panic attacks intensity and frequency. Additional research has shown that CBT may be less effective when combined with medication.
Can Anti-Panic Medication Interfere With the Long-term Effectiveness of CBT?
Exposure and desensitization of bodily sensations is an essential part of CBT. The exposure and desensitization process may be compromised if medication’s primary purpose is to stop panic sensations. Interoceptive exposure is about overcoming the physical sensations without fear. If panic attack sufferers are unable to perceive bodily sensations as normal, then the combination of CBT and medicine will result in higher relapse rates than the CBT alone. It is important to pay attention to the possibility of relapse after medications have been discontinued. This can be done by enhancing intensive CBT. This research has been led by Dr. Michael Otto, and his associates at The Center for Anxiety Related Disorders (Boston University).
Relapse Prevention is the cornerstone of any effective Panic Disorder Training Program
Panic disorder can be a complicated condition that requires a long-term treatment. Relapse Prevention should be the foundation of any panic disorder program. To live a life without panic attacks, it is important to understand the core triggers that cause panic attacks.