Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by speaking to the therapy.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary physician who can check for the root of the problem. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as 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.
anxiety management techniques 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 in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a method to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to go in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These are a group of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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 that includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly stop taking them. 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 providers.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen 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, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel more calm. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest every night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you figure out that your worries aren't unique.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise throughout the week and consume healthy meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. This includes the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to cope with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid recurrence.
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 aren't working for you, your doctor could change the dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.