Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who will look for any the root of the problem. The PCP could refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for their panic. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify the actions and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is among them and also believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to create a sleep routine that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that can cause untreated anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as a part of treatment of panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to travel in person.

Medicines

Doctors often prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce weak legs anxiety treatment symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care providers.

If you are suffering from frequent panic attacks, your physician will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are due to an illness like thyroid issues, and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important aspect in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have the support of loved ones, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital aspect of an appropriate life style. At minimum eight hours of rest every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and find out that you're not alone.

Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and eat an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and, since they can increase anxiety treatment autism. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including a pounding heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes then they fade away. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They might 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 may alter your dosage or switch to another type.

A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it can provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also get assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.