Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to 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. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is one of them or believing that the worst is going to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. These include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist may guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportationone at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term usage of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact your provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as the 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, which are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care professionals.
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 issues. They will determine if your attacks result from a medical issue, like thyroid disease and will also look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect in managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones, and boost your mood. It's important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. At least eight hours of rest every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Participating in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to alleviate anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you figure out that your worries are not unique.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack, they may experience many various symptoms, like a pounding heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes then they fade away. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. I Am Psychiatry is generally advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent 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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning how to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.