Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment 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 such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care physician who will look for any underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking may be related to chemical imbalances within the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. generalized anxiety treatment may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. These include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They 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 class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. The SSRIs include 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 often prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you're suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks result from a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital part of maintaining an active life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues will help you find out that your worries aren't unique.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise throughout the week and eat a healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger various symptoms. They include the heart racing, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes and then disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for other health conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example 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 an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 your medication doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you'll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.