Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by talking to a therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help a person recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one of them and also thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another option is to master the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that fuel anxiety. For instance, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the treatment of panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. Those who have insurance should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists provide online sessions which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to go in person.

Medicines

In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. 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 category of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if an event that is feared triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. They could also be risky when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease and will also look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have the support of family members they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is crucial to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety panic attack treatment and anxiety. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of a healthy life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and find out that you are not alone.

In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety treatment center symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your healthcare provider.

Counseling

When a person has an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart, tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them frequently could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is recommended to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to deal with. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and prevent 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 change the dosage or switch to another kind.

A therapist or counselor will help you 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 you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also get support from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.