Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by talking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care physician who can check for an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. Additionally the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider see what coverage they offer. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), Lexapro (escitalopram) 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 that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat 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 alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases, and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being severely affected, it might be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. At least eight hours of rest each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. They include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes then they fade away. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
treatment for panic and anxiety attacks for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to help ease your symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
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 doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it could give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also seek out assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.