Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with a psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary physician who can check for underlying medical issues. anxiety self-help may refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions that could be beneficial to those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), Lexapro (escitalopram) 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 group of antidepressants which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you're suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease and will also look for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. 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 hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and discover that you're not the only one.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, or sugar in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. These include the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct physical examination. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for other health conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to reduce 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 the medication doesn't work for you, your doctor may change your dosage or switch to another kind.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.