Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that contribute to an episode panic. Catastrophizing is one of them or thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking could be related to chemical imbalances within the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as sweating and a pounding heart. 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 how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportation -each step at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. natural anxiety treatments do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or free services. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if a feared event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing 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 also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek out professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. It is essential to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. At minimum eight hours of rest each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries are not unique.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as a pounding heart, tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They might also believe 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.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to ease the 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, your doctor may change the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.