Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary physician who will look for any underlying medical issues. The PCP might refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the cause of their panic. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is coming. This kind of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client confront these thoughts in order to decrease the possibility of an attack.
Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks, such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that cause anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can result in addiction and dependence, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should contact their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions that could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your 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. These are a group of antidepressants, which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease 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 are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you're suffering with frequent panic attacks, your doctor 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 are due to an illness such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to handle these attacks. If you have loved ones who can help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining an appropriate life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to reduce your anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns will help you find out that your worries aren't unique.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime you can moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
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, chills and dizziness. 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 but then fade. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They may 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 the medication doesn't work for you, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to a different kind.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. health anxiety treatment and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.