In the world of small business owners, panic attacks are a common occurrence due to the immense pressures we face on a daily basis. I personally dealt with panic attacks about 30 years ago and still struggle with them from time to time. So, how can we effectively manage them when they arise?
This week on The Small Business Radio Show, I had the opportunity to speak with Joseph Perekupka, CEO of Freespira. Freespira is the first and only company to provide a medication-free, FDA-cleared digital therapeutic treatment that has been proven to reduce or eliminate symptoms of panic disorder, panic attacks, and PTSD within just 28 days. Joe is a seasoned healthcare leader with over 25 years of experience in various medical device and digital health roles.
Understanding Panic Attacks
Joseph sheds light on the complexity of panic disorder, emphasizing that panic attacks can have multiple origins, often connected to anxiety or untreated anxiety disorders. One critical issue is that many individuals exhibit physical symptoms that can mimic other medical conditions, leading to misdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. This misalignment can worsen the situation, as patients may find themselves going from one emergency department to another, without receiving the proper care.
Key Points:
– Panic attacks can manifest with physical symptoms similar to other medical conditions.
– Misdiagnosis can result in inadequate treatment and heightened anxiety levels.
– Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for managing panic disorder successfully.
Connection Between Panic Attacks and PTSD
Our discussion then delves into the connection between panic attacks and PTSD. Joseph explains that while both conditions involve panic attacks, PTSD is triggered by specific traumatic events, such as accidents or natural disasters. Symptoms of PTSD, like night terrors and increased heart rates, may prompt individuals to seek emergency care, similar to those experiencing panic attacks.
Key Points:
– PTSD is sparked by specific traumatic events and can include panic attacks.
– PTSD symptoms encompass night terrors and heightened heart rates.
– Both conditions necessitate targeted treatment strategies.
Innovative Treatment Approaches
Joseph introduces the unique treatment approach by Freespira, which concentrates on breathing exercises to aid patients in managing their symptoms. This 28-day program allows patients to complete guided exercises at home, spending 17 minutes twice a day. The goal is to address breathing dysfunctions related to CO2 hypersensitivity, a common trigger for panic attacks. By normalizing breathing patterns, patients can better cope with anxiety and decrease the chances of panic attacks.
Key Points:
– Clinical trials have demonstrated significant improvements in patients’ conditions.
– More than 80% of patients report a decrease in symptoms after completing the program.
– 86% of patients remain free of panic attacks a year later, indicating long-term success.
For the full interview, tune in to The Small Business Radio Show.
Image: Envato
