Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.
They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking could be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that handles anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. anxiety treatment for dogs can coach the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In the long run, these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications 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 within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, 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, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when a feared event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and they will search for other causes that could cause the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have an sedative effect that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital part of maintaining an active life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a group of people who have similar issues will help you find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and consume healthy meals that are packed with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar and in order to reduce anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. These include a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they are having an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail, and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 doesn't work, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also seek out assistance from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks happen.