Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason behind the attack.
They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by speaking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider who will check for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or believing the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking could be related to chemical imbalances within the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels 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.
go to these guys as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the root causes of these episodes. In the long run, these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. 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 which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues and be looking for other contributing factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors that can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of loved ones they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions 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 panic. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help you ease anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and find out that you're not alone.
A variety of alternative and complementary 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, try to do moderate exercise on most days of the week. Also, eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing an attack of panic, they may experience many different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster and chest tightness, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for other health conditions which could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended that you seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 medications don't work for you, your doctor may alter the dosage or switch to a different kind.
A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.