Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy can help you help you cope with anxiety by speaking to a psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will look for an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. how to treat anxiety can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as stress reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation -- such as crowds or public transportation- one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance, check with their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial to those who cannot afford in-person visits.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the escitalopram (Lexapro) and paroxetine (Paxil). Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, another type of antidepressant, can also decrease anxiety symptoms by increasing the amount of norepinephrine in your brain. This is a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if a feared event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care providers.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues and also look for other causes like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital part of maintaining a healthy life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great opportunity to connect with others who have similar concerns and discover that you're not the only one.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they can cause anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from panic attacks it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or suffering from an attack on their heart. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, then they fade away. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks Your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
Medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), can decrease the frequency of your panic and anxiety attacks, but they won't make them completely go away. If your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and be an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.