Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to the therapist in order to learn how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. treatment for anxiety attacks might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one of them or believing that the worst will happen. This type 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 may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportationeach step at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, check with their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial to those who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most popular medications used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, 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 that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. 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.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid disorders and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, that can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these attacks. If you have the support of family members, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a good way to meet others who have similar concerns and find out that you're not alone.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. They include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. People who suffer from them often could 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 whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent repeat episodes.
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 you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A counselor or therapist can assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as a calm presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.