Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy can help you learn to cope with anxiety by talking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will look for any underlying medical issues. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one or thinking that the worst could happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist may guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be helpful for those who cannot afford to go in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications 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 prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. 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 that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if an event that is feared causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disorders and will be looking for other contributing factors like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. It is also important to learn how to deal with these attacks. If you have the support of loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by changing your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a good way to meet others who share similar issues and learn that you're not the only one.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. These include a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks usually peak in 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 Your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to manage. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and stop them from returning.
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 medications don't work for you, your doctor may alter the dosage or switch to another type.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in learning to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also seek out support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be a calm presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.