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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by speaking to an psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician who will check for a medical issue that may be underlying. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears -- such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford to visit in-person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that influences mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the 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 that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they can be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors that may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important aspect in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by changing your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle requires adequate sleep. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns are not unique.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. They include the heart racing, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform physical examination. 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 could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is usually recommended that you seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They can also prescribe medications like antidepressants to ease your symptoms and prevent them from recurring.
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 change the type of medication.
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'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.