Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by speaking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one or thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking could be linked to chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine. efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In the long run, these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be helpful for those who cannot afford to go in person.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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 class of antidepressants, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health professionals.
If you suffer with frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are due to a medical condition, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do when treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms become persistent and intense and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce an sedative effect that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. Aiming for at minimum eight hours of rest every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great opportunity to connect with others who have similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you can try to moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are 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 without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger many symptoms. This includes a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks Your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct physical examination. herbal treatment for anxiety will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to cope with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to reduce 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 your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also seek out assistance from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.