Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them, or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- like crowds or public transportation -- one at one 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. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you are insured, contact your provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which are beneficial to those who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. The SSRIs include 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 class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. treating anxiety disorders can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or 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 your family history and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by an illness like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could cause the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to handle these attacks. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel calmer. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to ease anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and find out that you're not alone.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. This includes the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid the 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 your medication doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Your friends and family can also provide support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can help you relax and calm when panic or anxiety attacks occur.