Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider who will look for a medical issue that may be underlying. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them, or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking could be related to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide 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 avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation like crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines may help reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications can result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you are insured, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be helpful for those who can't afford to go in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. SSRIs are 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. These are a group of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.
If you are suffering with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect 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 practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically 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 to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital element to maintaining an active life style. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help you ease anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns aren't unique.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause various symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to deal with. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop 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 don't work for you, your doctor may change your dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor will help you how to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and be an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.