What Experts In The Field Of Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Want You To Learn
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the reason behind 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 can help you overcome anxiety by speaking to the therapy.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will check for any the root of the problem. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is coming. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to master the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.
Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For instance, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportation- one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.
Medicines
Doctors often prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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 category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a term that describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. 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 calmer. 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 lower stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining alternative treatments for anxiety of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. They include an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they are having a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to manage. They might also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and stop the recurrence of symptoms.
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 change the type of medication.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can be a source of assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.