Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will look for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear -- 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, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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).
Iam Psychiatry , which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical issue, like thyroid disease and they will search for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with these symptoms. If you have the support of loved ones they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. 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 reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries are not unique.
Additionally, a broad variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. They include a racing heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or suffering from a heartattack. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes then they fade away. Patients who experience them often may 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 identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is usually recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to deal with. They might also prescribe medication, 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 you're taking doesn't work, your doctor may change the dosage or change the type of medication.
A counselor or therapist can assist you in managing your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a tough process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.