Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help their patients manage 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 heart rate. anxiety attack treatment I Am Psychiatry involves talking with an therapist to discover how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider, who may check for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances, and the brain circuitry that handles anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack, such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear -- like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration 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 anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that can affect 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 that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you are suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disease and they will search for other factors that could cause the symptoms, such as adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to deal with these attacks. If you have family members who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active life style. At minimum eight hours of rest each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns are not unique.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet packed with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing a panic attack it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like an aching heart, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes and then disappear. Patients who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is usually advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to manage. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and stop 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 could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.