Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a method to learn to cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one and also believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuitry that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that encourages relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that can cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportationone at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to stop 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 people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medications

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a best treatment for health anxiety for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain 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. These are a group of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you're suffering with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could cause the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to learn how to handle these attacks. If you have loved ones who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

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

A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It is important to stay away from alcohol, caffeine and smoking since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial element to maintaining an active lifestyle. At minimum eight hours of rest each night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet other people who share similar issues and learn that you're not alone.

A variety of alternative treatment for anxiety and panic attacks and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim you should moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat healthy meals that are packed with vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are having a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct physical examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is generally advised to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to cope. 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 your medication doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.

A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.