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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary physician who will check for any the root of the problem. The PCP may refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their panic. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the risk of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally anxiety treatment at home can guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be helpful for those who are unable to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. The 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.
If you are suffering from frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you to find out that your worries are not unique.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime you can moderately exercise most days of the week and eat a healthy diet that is packed with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause various symptoms. These include the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often could 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 if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to cope. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce the 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 medication you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also provide assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.
