Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician who will check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them and also believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking could be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles 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 come with panic attacks like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies to reduce stress.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance, check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists provide online anxiety treatment sessions that can be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medicines

Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in your brain. 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. They are a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when a feared event causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid issues and will also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors that can contribute meds to treat anxiety and depression the symptoms.

The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these attacks. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. It's important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital element to maintaining an active life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns can help you to find out that your concerns aren't unique.

In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime you should moderately exercise most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your healthcare provider.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally advised to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to manage. They might 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 medication doesn't work for you, your doctor could modify your dosage or switch to a different type.

A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.