Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is 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 heart rate. Psychotherapy is a way to overcome anxiety by talking to an therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor who will look for an underlying medical condition. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them, or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking might be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances, and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client confront these thoughts in order to decrease the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to stop 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 people with low incomes. Insurance holders should contact their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. SSRIs are sertraline (Zoloft), Lexapro (escitalopram) and paroxetine(Paxil). best natural treatment for anxiety -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, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and lead to withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health professionals.
If you suffer with 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 if your attacks result from a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek professional assistance in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an appropriate lifestyle. Aiming for at minimum eight hours of rest every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to ease anxiety. Being part of a group who share similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't unique.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including yoga, meditation and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your physician first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. They include an accelerated heart rate 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 within minutes and then fade away. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 your medication doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it can provide you with the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.