Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy can help you learn to cope with anxiety by speaking to a psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will check for an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking might be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to master the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you are insured 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 travel in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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, typically prescribed to control 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 them for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by a medical condition, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have the support of loved ones they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. anxiety treatment at home , which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and learn that you're not the only one.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, but then fade. People who have them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct physical examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is usually advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to cope. They may also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop them from recurring.
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 alter your dosage or switch to a different kind.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Friends and family members can be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and 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.