Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit their primary care doctor, who may check for an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking might be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
anxiety self-help may employ exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation -- such as crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In the long run, these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be 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 provide online sessions that can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 category of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart issues, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disease, and will also look for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment techniques. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by changing 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 have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and learn that you're not the only one.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. These include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are having a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. People who have them frequently 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. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is usually recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and show you how to cope with them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent 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 medication doesn't work for you, your doctor may alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can also help you learn how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out assistance from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.