Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an anxiety attack. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to face their fears -- 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 useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. anxiety disorder treatments at home who have insurance should check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most popular medications used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that influences mood. 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. These are a group of antidepressants that includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care providers.
If you're suffering with frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness such as thyroid diseases, and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to do when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to manage these attacks. If you have family members who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your reactions and behavior.
Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest each night can help alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and learn that you're not the only one.
Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime you can moderately exercise on most days of the week and consume healthy meals that are rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster, tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they're dying or suffering from a heartattack. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, but then fade. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and show you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent repeat episodes.
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 aren't working for you, your doctor can change the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.