Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason behind the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care provider who will look for any the root of the problem. The PCP might refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the cause of their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is coming. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to face their fears -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more comfortable.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the root causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length 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 frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These are a group of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in your brain. 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 category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when the fear of a certain event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. You can also get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care providers.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by an illness such as thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could cause the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing you can do in treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with these symptoms. If you have family members who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. IamPsychiatry , also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
Additionally, a broad variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including yoga, meditation and acupuncture, have shown promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
When a person has an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like the heart beating faster, tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also think they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who experience them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and conduct an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to deal with. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 may change the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.