What Is Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks And How To Utilize What Is Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks And How To Use
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing 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 involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or believing the worst is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a brain chemical that influences mood. The 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 issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
If you are suffering with frequent panic attacks, your physician will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues, and will be looking for other contributing factors like negative memories from childhood or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to manage these symptoms. If you have loved ones who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become persistent and intense and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can slow down the nervous system and have an sedative effect that makes you feel calmer. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including a pounding heart, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. try these guys tend to be intense for a few minutes, then they fade away. People who suffer from them often might 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 if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 your medication doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A therapist or counselor will also help you learn how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it can provide you with the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.