Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by talking to the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode panic. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- like crowds or public transportation -each step at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. If you are insured, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. The 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. treatment for anxiety attacks is a category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, and will also look for other causes like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can 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 allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active lifestyle. At least eight hours of sleep every night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or suffering from an attack on their heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally advised to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They can also prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, to help ease your 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 isn't working the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.