Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by speaking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option 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 called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario like crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment of panic disorder.
natural anxiety treatments offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions that could be beneficial to those who are unable to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the 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, 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. These are a group of antidepressants which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart issues, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.
If you're suffering with frequent 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 if your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disorders and also look for other factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do when treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to handle them. If you have the support of your loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel calmer. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help ease anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries aren't the only ones.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They may also think they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually last for a few minutes then they fade away. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and conduct an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to manage. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to ease the 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 to a different kind of medication.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative 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 anxiety attacks in the future. You can also receive assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be an calming presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.