Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician, who may check for a medical issue that may be underlying. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help a person recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is among them or thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another option is to master the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -one at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the treatment of panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.

Medications

In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most popular medications used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the 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 category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when a feared event triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.

If you are suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your physician 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 triggered by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could cause the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have an sedative effect that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't unique.

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, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

When a person has an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as a pounding heart, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked pills to treat anxiety explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to cope with them. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop them from returning.

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 may alter your 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 to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Friends and family members can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks happen.