Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by talking to the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP could refer the patient to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. natural treatment for anxiety can guide the patient through controlled breathing, which is called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications 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.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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. They are a class of antidepressants that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms like a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid disorders and be looking for other contributing factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors that may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do in treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have the support of your loved ones, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial element to maintaining an appropriate life style. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Participating in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people who have similar issues can help you to find out that your concerns aren't unique.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week. Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as a pounding heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem 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 work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent 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 doesn't work for you, your doctor may alter your dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor can help you to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools 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 recommending that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.