Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan 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 pulse. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary physician who will look for any the root of the problem. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. best anxiety disorder treatment could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, which is called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. In addition the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid disorders and be looking for other contributing factors like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of your loved ones they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital aspect of an appropriate life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help ease anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a good opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger many symptoms. They include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to manage. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to ease your symptoms and stop the recurrence of symptoms.
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 doesn't work, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in learning how 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 panic attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also provide support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.