Tag: cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety

While anxiety and panic attacks are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, the clinical reality paints a far more nuanced picture. The confusion between the two is understandable, especially given their overlapping symptoms. Yet, from a mental health perspective, distinguishing between a panic attack and an anxiety attack is not only important for diagnostic accuracy but also crucial for selecting the most effective treatment strategies. People experiencing either often describe intense psychological and physiological discomfort, but there are differences in the onset, duration, intensity, and triggers of each. Understanding these distinctions can empower individuals to seek the appropriate support and prevent unnecessary escalation of symptoms.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have long been the cornerstone of pharmacological treatment for anxiety and depression. These medications, including fluoxetine, sertraline, and citalopram, work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood. However, SSRIs are not suitable for everyone. Some individuals experience intolerable side effects such as weight gain, sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting, or gastrointestinal distress. Others find that SSRIs do not provide adequate relief from their symptoms. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing SSRIs can be severe, leading many to seek alternative treatments.