Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will look for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their panic. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one of them, or thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.

Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to face their fear -- like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In the long run, these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, check with their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who can't afford to travel in person.

Medicines

In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. The 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. These are a class of antidepressants which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if a feared event triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that can relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you are suffering with frequent panic 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 whether your attacks are caused by a medical condition, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important aspect in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more relaxed. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety panic attack natural treatment, release positive hormones and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital part of maintaining an appropriate life style. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease menopause anxiety treatment symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to ease anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues will help you find out that your worries aren't unique.

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime you can moderately exercise throughout the week and consume an wholesome diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. They include a racing heart chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and conduct an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent 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 medication you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.

A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with 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 receive support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calm presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.