Cognitive CBT

When a patient undergoes CBT, his/her therapist tried to treat him in two ways: cognitive and behavioral. With the cognitive approach, the therapist basically helps the patient track down which thoughts trigger his/her panic attacks. Based on experience, these thoughts are all exaggerated, and they magnify the possible threats in whatever situation the patient experiences.

For example, s/he may be worried about speaking in front of high profile strangers for a project proposal. It’s normal for anyone to feel nervous about this situation, but when one is experiencing a panic attack, s/he may respond to the situation as if his/her life was under threat.

Through the cognitive approach of the CBT treatment, the therapist will then try to explain how the patient’s “thoughts” were actually unrealistic. The therapist will then teach the patient how to practice rationalizing these thoughts whenever s/he experiences a panic attack. Although the patient might have a hard time actually doing these exercises during the first few panic attacks, s/he will eventually get the hang of it.

 

Behavioral CBT

The behavioral aspect of the CBT is similar to other phobia treatments. If the panic attacks are caused by a certain situation or object, then the patient is exposed to these panic triggers. The CBT treatment basically teaches the patient to approach his/her panic attacks head on. It discourages the patient to depend on medicines or other people whenever a panic attack happens.

The CBT is a popular panic attack remedy because, in general, it is a safer and more affordable treatment compared to chemical mood stabilizers.    

 

Other aids

Of course, the CBT approach would be to no avail if the patient refuses to lead a healthier lifestyle. Panic attacks occur more often in people who drink too much coffee and intake high levels of sugar. As much as possible, the patient should also make sure that s/he has enough sleep, and has at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily.