Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary physician who will check 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 might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an panic attack. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to face their fears -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions which could be beneficial to those who are unable to travel in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that influences mood. 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, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart issues they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
natural anxiety treatments are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
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 if the attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and find out that you're not the only one.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is generally recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent 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 you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it can provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Friends and family members can be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide an calming presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.