Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of anxiety. These include catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking might be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear -- such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If anxiety treatment strategies have insurance, check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to travel in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences 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. These are a group of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they may be recommended in the event that a stressful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care professionals.
If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will search for other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes the various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital part of maintaining a healthy life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim you should moderately exercise most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including the heart beating faster tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to manage. They may prescribe antidepressants to ease 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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor can alter your dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in managing your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful 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 near future. Your friends and family can also be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.