Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety treatment at home and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an anxiety attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which should reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or free services. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medicines

Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 control high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are due to a medical condition, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important thing to remember in treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to manage them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your reactions and behavior.

Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful 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. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can anxiety go away without treatment help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good way to meet other people who have similar concerns and learn that you're not the only one.

In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety and panic attacks treatment symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and eat an wholesome diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe meds that treat depression and anxiety they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct an examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid the 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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor can alter your dosage or switch to a different kind.

A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also receive support from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.