Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care provider who will check for any underlying medical issues. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is among them or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these episodes. In treatment for generalized anxiety , long-term usage of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs 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, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that influences 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. This is a category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended in the event that a stressful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
If you are suffering from recurrent 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 result from a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and will also 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 learn how to deal with these attacks. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek out professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment techniques. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be beneficial in managing 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 more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease anxiety, release positive hormones and boost your mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, including an aching heart, tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes then they fade away. People who experience them frequently could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail and conduct an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to deal with. They may also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to ease the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
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 isn't working the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it could provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.