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 cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer the patient to a psychiatrist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking might be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks like sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -- one at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
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 usage of these medications can result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. 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. anxiety treatment natural is a category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if a feared event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by an illness like thyroid disease and they will search for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more calm. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an active life style. Aiming for at least eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns will help you find out that your worries aren't the only ones.
Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise most days of the week and eat healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, or sugar as they can cause anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then fade away. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants 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 isn't working your doctor might alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when panic or anxiety attacks occur.