Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow the speed of a pulse. how to treat anxiety can help you overcome anxiety by speaking to a therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks often visit their primary physician who can check for underlying medical issues. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client to develop a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or free services. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions that could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the 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 are a group of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. The SSRIs are 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 class of antidepressants that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks result from a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. Aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and discover that you're not the only one.
Additionally, a broad variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including yoga, meditation and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger various symptoms. They include a racing heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also look for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended that you seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to manage. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to ease the 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 your medication isn't working 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 address unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.