Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason behind the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you help you cope with anxiety by speaking to the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see a primary care provider, who may check for an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. anxiety counseling include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client to develop a sleep routine that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears -- like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people 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.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. 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 that includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart issues 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, however they might be prescribed if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease and they will search for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, including negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing you can do in treating panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to handle them. If you have family members who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It's important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and find out that you're not the only one.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who have them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent the 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 the medication you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A therapist or counselor will also help you learn how to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.