Panic Disorder Controlling Fight or Flight www.helpingpsychology.com http://free-anger-management.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/dreamstime_anxiety.jpg

Anxiety and panic are typical human reactions, linked to self-awareness and self-preservation. www.helpingpsychology.com http://content5.videojug.com/f1/f1da84d9-7afc-4b72-aa02-23ad4580c808/how-to-help-someone-having-a-panic-attac.jpg

The flight-or-fight instinct is the brain’s subconscious choice of solutions to immediate threats of danger. www.helpingpsychology.com http://neuronarrative.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/anxiety.jpg

Slamming on the brakes in reaction to the threat of a car accident, fleeing from a building at the sound of a fire alarm and administering frantic back blows to one’s choking child are examples of how anxiety and panic guide human actions. www.helpingpsychology.com

People who are diagnosed with panic disorder experience overwhelming fear and panic over situations that typically do not require such serious concern. www.helpingpsychology.com http://www.healthreportnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/anxiety.jpg

Depending upon the seriousness of the condition, psychologists typically use a combination of approaches for helping patients diagnosed with panic disorder. www.helpingpsychology.com http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/5329928/331935-main_Full.jpg

Physical symptoms of panic attacks can include rapid heartbeat, paralyzing terror, trembling and difficulty breathing. www.helpingpsychology.com http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2008/12/11/article-1093727-006C43DF00000258-265_468x664.jpg

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Applied Relaxation therapy (AR) are used by psychologists, often in conjunction with prescribed medications, to treat patients with panic disorders. www.helpingpsychology.com

The goal is to help patients understand the difference between rational and irrational concerns and behaviors. www.helpingpsychology.com http://www.prlog.org/10233291-attachment.jpg

Patients first learn to identify triggers and concerns that begin their cycle of anxiety and panic. www.helpingpsychology.com

Next, psychologists help patients understand their own behavior patterns and thoughts processes. www.helpingpsychology.com

Finally, patients practice and apply strategies for modifying and controlling their thoughts and reactions. www.helpingpsychology.com

To combat the debilitating experience of panic attacks, applied relaxation therapy (AR) is often used to help people cope with the physical symptoms and gain control of the situation. www.helpingpsychology.com

Applied Relaxation therapy is often used together with CBT to provide patients with a variety of methods of addressing their thoughts, reactions and actions. www.helpingpsychology.com

Another approach used to treat panic disorder is pharmacotherapy, or the use of medications, as a short- or long-term option. www.helpingpsychology.com

Anxiolytics, which are anti-anxiety medications, or selective serotinin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs), are sometimes prescribed to alter the brain chemistry in order to alleviate symptoms or to aid in the success of other therapies. www.helpingpsychology.com

Common SSRIs used to treat panic disorders include Prozac, Paxil or Zoloft. Xanax, Ativan and Valium are also commonly prescribed by psychiatrists. www.helpingpsychology.com

Fear, panic and anxiety are believed to be traits that have evolved in the brain to alert and protect people from dangers. www.helpingpsychology.com

Flight-or-Fight is a necessary instinct in human beings that increases our chances of survival in hazardous situations. www.helpingpsychology.com

www.helpingpsychology.com Treating Constant Fear and panic through the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy, applied relaxation therapy and prescription medications can allow patients to learn methods for combating panic disorders in order to experience more comfortable lives.

www.argosy.edu Argosy University has developed a curriculum that focuses on interpersonal skills and practical experience alongside academic learning. Sponsored By Helping Psychology is sponsored by Argosy University.