Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a way to learn to cope with anxiety by talking to a psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them or believing that the worst is going to occur. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. The long-term use of these medications can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as a part of treatment of panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial to those who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that can affect mood. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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 that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness like thyroid issues, and will also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. Iam Psychiatry describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of an appropriate life style. Aiming for at minimum eight hours of rest each night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to alleviate anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns can help you figure out that your concerns are not unique.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, demonstrate 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 on most days of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. They include the heart racing, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and perform an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended that you seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to manage. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to help ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
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 type.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also get assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.