Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a way to overcome anxiety by speaking to the therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see a primary care provider, who may check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP could refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their panic. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that contribute to an episode panic. Catastrophizing is one of them and also thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.

Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be expensive 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 offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to visit in-person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most popular medications used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that can affect mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are usually prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce weak legs anxiety treatment symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed if a feared event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will look for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to handle these attacks. If you have family members who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek out professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in managing severe anxiety treatment and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At least eight hours of rest every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to ease anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a good way to meet other people who share similar issues and find out that you're not the only one.

In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim you should moderately exercise most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from an attack of panic it is possible that they experience different symptoms, such as a pounding heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, dizziness and chills. They may also think they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, then they fade away. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is generally advised to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to manage. They may also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to reduce the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

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 your doctor might alter the dosage or change the type of medication.

A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.