Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing 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 speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician, who may check for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP could refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one of them and also thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking might be related to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the risk of an attack.

Another option is to master the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist is able ways to treat anxiety without medication guide the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that fuel anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportation -- one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.

Medicines

Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the 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. These are a class of antidepressants which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart issues They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.

If you're suffering with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital element to maintaining a healthy life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries aren't the only ones.

In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like a pounding heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail and conduct a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease the symptoms and prevent 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 medication doesn't work for you, your doctor can change your dosage or switch to a different kind.

A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Friends and family members can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.