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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 may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks often visit their primary care physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is coming. 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 counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the risk of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to create a sleep routine that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportationone at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term use of these medications can result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, 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, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. 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. They are a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when a feared event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
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 caused by a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these attacks. If you have loved ones who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have an sedative effect that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding anxiety treatment , alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries aren't unique.
A wide range 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 interim, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including the heart beating faster tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them frequently could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. For instance 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 a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to reduce symptoms and prevent 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 the medications don't work for you, your doctor can modify your dosage or switch to another type.
A therapist or counselor will help you to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it could give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also receive support from your family members and acquaintances 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 provide emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.
