Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a way to overcome anxiety by speaking with a therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who can check for the root of the problem. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuitry that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that encourages relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, such as crowds or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. anxiety treatments medication are not effective in treating the root causes. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most popular medications used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels 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. They are a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a sweating, rapid heartbeat hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when a feared event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They could also be risky if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care professionals.
If you're suffering from recurrent anxiety 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 whether your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid disorders and will also look for other causes like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have loved ones who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing 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 have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy life style. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.
A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
When a person has panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, then they fade away. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to cope. They can also prescribe medications such as 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 medication doesn't work for you, your doctor can change your dosage or switch to another kind.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.