Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining 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 speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary care provider who can check for the root of the problem. The PCP could refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. Catastrophizing is one and also thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client confront these thoughts in order to decrease the chance of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.

Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should contact their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to travel in person.

Medicines

Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that affects 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 the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if a feared event causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask 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 due to an illness like thyroid issues and will also look for other factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to understand that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how do you treat anxiety without medication to manage these attacks. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital part of maintaining an appropriate life style. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.

Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can help reduce anticipatory anxiety treatment. Joining a group of people who have similar issues will help you find out that your worries are not unique.

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing a panic attack, they may experience many different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also think they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is advised to consult psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 could alter your dosage or switch to another kind.

A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Family and friends can also be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks happen.

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