Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical condition. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. These include a pounding pulse and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, which is called mindfulness meditation that encourages relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation -- such as crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should check with their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. These 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. This is a category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if an event that is feared causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
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 them. If you have the support of loved ones they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek out professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. anxiety attack treatment is a typical kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active lifestyle. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues can help you figure out that your worries aren't unique.
A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime you can moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat 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 avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. They include the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who experience them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for other health conditions which can 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 panic and anxiety attacks. It is advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to manage. They can also prescribe medications such as antidepressants to ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
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 may alter the dosage or switch to another type.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a tough process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.