Introduction Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very effective way of dealing with panic attacks and other social anxiety disorders.
It is such a good help because it assists the patients in understanding the very causes of the condition and also offers suitable therapeutic and practical strategies to deal with it.
Here is a five step guide about cognitive behavioral therapy, which will help you understand in what ways it is effective in dealing with such attacks.
Step #1 CBT Helps in Understanding of the Problem The initial part of the therapy will include understanding all the aspects of the attack.
The patient will be given information about what causes an attack and their misconceptions will be eradicated.
Many people fear that these attacks might cause death and this apprehension leads to further panic attacks.
So, the first step of cognition is to make the patient aware of their problem.
Step #2 CBT Helps the Patient Monitor the Attacks Self monitoring is an important aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy.
The patient might not be able to do that while he or she is experiencing the attack.
But they are required to maintain a record of the attacks and also the various occasions in which the attacks have occurred.
This will help in creating a causal relation between the stimuli and the reaction.
Such findings will enlighten the patient about the reasons and the nature of the panic attacks.
Step #3 CBT Teaches Patients Positive Thinking Through systematic approaches and repetitions, the patients are made to unlearn negative thinking and develop alternate positive approaches.
They are made to interpret the physical sensations of an attack in a different light.
These signs are put in to perspective and the extreme negativity associated with this experience is neutralized.
The patient is taught to develop positive attitude towards life and as a result of this, the fear regarding panic attack subsides.
Step #4 CBT Teaches Patients Survival Strategies CBT teaches the patients various survival techniques like restrained breathing.
This can help in preventing future attacks and can also control an panic attack, when it is occurring.
Step #5 CBT Helps in Putting the Strategies in to Practice The behavioral part of the therapy helps in putting the strategies and the knowledge in to practice.
During this stage of the therapy, the patient can be made to interact with a group of people experiencing social anxiety disorder.
Many mock situations and conditions are created, which might potentially trigger off a panic attack.
The behavior of the patient is monitored and is rectified in case there is any discrepancy.
The patient is also asked to participate in such events in real life to see if the therapy has helped them adequately.
So, CBT is one of the most effective forms of panic attacks help because it helps to deal with the problem in a step by step manner and you can safely consult a therapist in case there is a need.