Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you help you cope with anxiety by speaking to an therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical condition. The PCP could refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of anxiety. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that handles anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that cause anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation -- like crowds or public transportation- one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating anxiety disorders the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the treatment of panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or 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 provide online sessions, which can be helpful for those who are unable to go in person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. 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, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care providers.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid disorders and also look for other causes like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries are not unique.

Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and in order to reduce anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss your doctor first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing panic attacks it is possible that they experience different symptoms, such as a pounding heart tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also think they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent repeat episodes.

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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.

A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when panic or anxiety attacks occur.