Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy can help you learn to cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care provider who can check for underlying medical issues. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack, such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist may guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportation -one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.

Medicines

Doctors often prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can be addictive and cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you're suffering from frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disorders, and will also look for other causes, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these attacks. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.

Lifestyle changes

It is crucial to seek professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes a variety of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by changing your reactions and behavior.

Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital part of maintaining an active life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.

Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues can help you figure out that your worries are not unique.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet high functioning anxiety treatment in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including a pounding heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also think they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic attacks and anxiety for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They may 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 your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or change the type of medication.

A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Family and friends can also be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.