Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help their patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer the patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to overcome these thoughts and reduce the risk of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. These include a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -- one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term use of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to break the cycle of fear. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, contact their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. 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 class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when a feared event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by an illness like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember in treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to deal with these attacks. If you have loved ones who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, 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. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions, you can reduce or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. treatments for anxiety disorders I Am Psychiatry is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help ease anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries aren't the only ones.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime you should moderately exercise throughout the week and eat healthy meals that are high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar and, since they can increase anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. This includes a racing heart chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes and then disappear. People who experience them frequently could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give a detailed medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants in order 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 the medication doesn't work for you, your doctor could change the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family members and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.