Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care physician who will look for any the root of the problem. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuitry that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that can cause anxiety. anxiety treatments medication suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who are unable to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most common medicines used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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. These are a class of antidepressants, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you're suffering from 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 your attacks are due to an illness like thyroid disorders, and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors that may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of your loved ones they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and improve your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital part of maintaining a healthy life style. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a good way to meet other people who share similar issues and discover that you're not alone.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim you should moderately exercise throughout the week and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, but then fade. People who suffer from 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 perform an examination. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to deal with. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid repeat episodes.
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 change the dosage or switch to a different kind.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a tough process, but you'll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can also be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks happen.