Dear clients, panic disorder, or panic attack as it is popularly known, is an anxiety disorder that is common in our country and whose treatment is almost entirely medication-based. One of the most frequently asked questions on my website every day to me, and perhaps to all Psychiatrists, is "I used many medications, but they did not help, or I partially benefited, how can you help?" The question arises. After using many drugs with very similar and different effects, our patients fall into despair and feel helpless.
Psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods that provide rapid and permanent awareness and change in the treatment of panic attacks. With psychotherapy, the patient becomes aware of the conditions he is in and the situations that prevent him from changing these conditions; A panic attack patient has a sensitive, giving, detail-oriented, perfectionist personality structure that is focused on the other person. They are people who are used to carrying moral and physical burdens. Awareness about personality, adding different behavioral styles to the repertoire, and supporting and raising awareness about the burdens that the person thinks he cannot change contribute to the solution of the problem. With therapy and experiments, the person can quickly move away from this personality structure and get rid of panic permanently.
To summarize, although the use of medication in the treatment of panic attacks is very common, it provides limited benefit. Contrary to popular belief, psychotherapy can relieve the patient and provide a permanent effect even in 1-2 sessions. In addition to Gestalt Psychotherapy, which I frequently use, analytical, cognitive behavioral therapies, etc. are used.
Drug treatment should be used in addition to Psychotherapy in necessary and appropriate patients. In emergency cases, medication first and then medication plus psychotherapy may be considered. However, considering the realities of our country and limited mental health services, it can be thought that drug use will continue to be current on its own for a while.
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