Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any underlying medical issues. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the root of their panic. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one or thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment of 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 determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be beneficial for those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most popular medications used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. 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. This is a class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues, and will also look for other causes like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. best anxiety treatment and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active life style. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet other people who have similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and conduct an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to cope with them. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.
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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor may modify your dosage or switch to another type.
A counselor or therapist can assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can be a source of 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 the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.