Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason behind the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a way to overcome anxiety by talking to a psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which should lower the risk 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 guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a patient who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportation -each step at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that influences mood. The 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, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed if a feared situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. 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. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are due to an illness such as thyroid diseases and also look for other factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have family members who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your reactions and behavior.
Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and learn that you're not the only one.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise throughout the week and consume healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, or sugar as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless discussing them with your physician first.
Counseling
When a person has an attack of panic it is possible that they experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, but then fade. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history and conduct an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is usually recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They may prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent 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 the medications aren't working for you, your doctor could change your dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques together and act as an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.