The Reasons Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Is Harder Than You Think
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who can check for the root of the problem. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that contribute to an episode panic. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment of panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider see what coverage they offer. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to go in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most common medicines used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. 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. This is a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart issues They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. anxiety treatment strategies can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and they will search for other causes that could cause the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with these symptoms. If you have the support of your loved ones they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce an sedative effect that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries are not unique.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from panic attacks it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like a pounding heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid problem or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is usually advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent 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 the medication you're taking doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor will help you how to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when panic or anxiety attacks happen.