Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy can help you help you cope with anxiety by speaking with an therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor, who may check for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking may be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to 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, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears -- like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be helpful for those who cannot afford to travel in person.
Medications
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most popular medications used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group 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. This is a class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you're suffering from frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid disorders, and will also look for other factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to manage these attacks. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being severely affected, it might be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. meds to treat anxiety , sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help reduce your anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries aren't the only ones.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like the heart beating faster tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They might also believe they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to ease your symptoms and stop 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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be a calm presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.