Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason behind the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care provider who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is coming. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The Therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears -- like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who cannot afford to go in person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, known 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 that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when the fear of a certain event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care providers.
If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid issues, and will also look for other causes like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle them. If you have the support of family members, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek out professional assistance. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can also help ease anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your concerns aren't unique.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has an attack of panic, they may experience many different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes then they fade away. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks Your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to deal with. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and prevent them from recurring.
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 the medications aren't working for you, your doctor can modify the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In anxiety therapy options , more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.