Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care physician who will check for any underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one, or thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuitry involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to master the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the fearful situation like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could result in addiction and dependence, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be helpful for those who cannot afford to go in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The 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 issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care professionals.
If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your physician will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease and will also look for other causes that could cause the symptoms, including negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have loved ones who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your reactions and behavior.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety .
A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires adequate sleep. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and discover that you are not alone.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week. Eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing an attack of panic, they may experience many different symptoms, including an aching heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which could cause similar symptoms. For example 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 advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to deal with. They may also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and prevent them from recurring.
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 can modify your dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor will also help you learn to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.