Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the reason behind the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. Based on treatment anxiety of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help a person recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is one of them or believing that the worst will occur. This kind of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to master the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks, such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist may guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be helpful for those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that affects mood. The 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if a feared event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could contribute to the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have family members who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can cause 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 significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term used to describes the various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle requires adequate sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to ease anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and find out that you're not the only one.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime you should moderately exercise on most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. This includes a racing heart chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack of the heart. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, but then fade. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that may 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, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to deal with. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop them from recurring.
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 your doctor might alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor can help you to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.