Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help their patients manage symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will look for any underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode panic. Catastrophizing is among them and also thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. The therapist can also instruct the client to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that can cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might 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, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should check with their provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when an event that is feared triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid disorders and also look for other factors like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to deal with these symptoms. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. anxiety treatment at home is a common type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your reactions and behavior.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of a healthy life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns are not unique.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise throughout the week and eat an wholesome diet packed with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. They include a racing heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in 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 detailed medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid problem 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 advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to help ease your symptoms and stop them from recurring.
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 can change the dosage or switch to another kind.
A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.