Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to learn to cope with anxiety by speaking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider, who may check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP could refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that can cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation like crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural 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 that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care professionals.
If you're suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues and will also look for other factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of loved ones they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential 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.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an active lifestyle. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can reduce anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
A variety of alternative and complementary 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, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss your doctor first.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including an aching heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes but then fade. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. For pills to treat anxiety , a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is usually advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to cope. They can also prescribe medications like antidepressants to ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
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 don't work for you, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do 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 require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family members and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.