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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also 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 cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. People who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care provider who can check for the root of the problem. The PCP could refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of their anxiety. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help a person recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them and also believing that the worst is going to occur. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should contact their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who are unable to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The SSRIs include 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 class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have the support of loved ones, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It's important to avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of a healthy life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues can help you figure out that your concerns aren't unique.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise on most days of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. They include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes, then they fade away. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give a detailed medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety treatment without medicine and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to cope. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to help ease 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 change your dosage or switch to another type.
A counselor or therapist can assist you in managing your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a tough process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in the treatment for panic and anxiety attacks process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.