Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical issue. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which should lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as stress reduction strategies.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears -- like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, check with their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that can affect mood. 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. They can also be dangerous when you mix them 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 family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid disorders and also look for other factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of a healthy life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you ease anxiety. Being part of a group who share similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for 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 vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, or sugar as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is generally recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to manage. They may prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent repeat episodes.
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 switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.