Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Tips From The Top In The Industry
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care physician who can check for underlying medical issues. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help people recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that can trigger an panic attack. Catastrophizing is one and also thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking may be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack, such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. The therapist can also teach the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't 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 a part of treatment of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to travel in person.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects 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. generalized anxiety disorder treatment is a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. You could also be in trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
If you are suffering from frequent anxiety 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 an illness such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might cause the symptoms, such as adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to manage these attacks. If you have the support of loved ones they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes the various psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. At minimum eight hours of rest each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues can help you to find out that your worries are not unique.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing panic attacks, they may experience many various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are having an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent recurrence.
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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks happen.