Find Out What Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks The Celebs Are Using
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will check for any 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 might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them or thinking that the worst could happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- 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, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications can result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. 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 you can contact your insurance provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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. They are a class of antidepressants, which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks result from an illness such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have the support of family members, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these symptoms become persistent and intense and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. At minimum eight hours of rest every night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime you should moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause a variety of symptoms. These include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, but then fade. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They might also prescribe medication like 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 could modify your dosage or switch to a different kind.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also get support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. treating anxiety disorders can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.