Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a method to learn to cope with anxiety by talking to a therapist.
anxiety treatment dogs or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP may refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one of them and also thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking may be related to chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack, such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be helpful for those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat panic 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 to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.
If you are suffering from recurrent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of family members they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is 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 happy hormones and improve your mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can also help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good opportunity to connect with others who have similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including the heart beating faster, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are experiencing an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent recurrence.
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 change the type of medication.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning how to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Family and friends can also provide assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.