Just hearing from your doctor that you have a panic disorder may already cause you to panic. How ever tempting, don't. There is no truth to the rumors that this disorder is the onset of lunacy or that there is not cure for it. Panic disorder is treatable and a panic attack does not mean it is the end of the world. All you need to do is find a good doctor who will see you through and help you get over this condition.

There are three ways on how to treat a panic disorder: cognitive behavioral therapy, medication, or the combination of both.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

This kind of therapy is considered to be the safest and the most effective cure for panic disorder. It focuses on the patient's thinking patterns and the activities or behaviors that trigger a panic attack. This method helps the patient look at his or her fears more realistically. Many patients get a lot better after 8 treatment sessions with their therapist.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has two major components. The first one is identifying and changing the inaccurate pattern of thinking that sustains the anxiety (cognitive therapy) and desensitizing panic through exposure to phobias (behavioral/exposure therapy). The emphasis and extent of each therapy depends on the nature of the patient's problem. For instance, if you had an anxiety attack while you were crossing the street, cognitive therapy involves asking you to think of what could have been the worst scenario about crossing the street. You may think that a car may come crashing onto you, however, it is also highly possible that the car would stop upon seeing you cross. Once you realize that nothing absolutely disastrous can happen, the panic experience can be less scary.

Exposure therapy on the other hand, involves exposing you to the real situation that causes you to panic. For instance, if you fear crossing the street, then you will be made to cross the street during therapy sessions to help you face your fear. This will enable you to realize that your anxiety is actually baseless and that you can go through any of your activities safely and normally as any person can.

It may take some time before you get over your anxiety because panic tends to go away slowly, however, with continued motivation and practice, you will eventually overcome your fear. Therapy also helps you prevent anxiety attacks from recurring.

Medication

In some severe cases, medications are prescribed to reduce, control, if not totally eliminate panic disorder. Some of the common medications used for panic disorder are:

• Benzodiazepines -- These are anti-anxiety drugs. They are proven to act very quickly (within 30 minutes to an hour). Taking them while having a panic attack gives fast relief of the symptoms. However, they are highly addictive and may cause serious withdrawal symptoms. This is why these medications should only be used under strict guidance of a medical professional and should never be consumed for long time.

• Antidepressants - These medicines take effect after several weeks of being taken that it why it is important that they are consumed regularly and not just during an anxiety attack.

Remember that although medications are available to cure panic disorder, they should never be the sole treatment to depend on. The truth is, medication is most effective when it goes with other treatments like therapy and change of lifestyle that may eliminate underlying causes of the disorder.