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 the root of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by talking to an psychotherapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care provider who will look for any underlying medical issues. The PCP might refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety attack treatment and fear. The counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the possibility of an attack.

Another method is to understand how to treat anxiety without medication to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. The therapist can also teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine. efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For instance, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario like crowds or public transportation -- one at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, the long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what is anxiety disorder treatment options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who are unable to go in person.

Medicines

Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that influences mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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. They are a class of antidepressants, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.

If you are suffering with frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disorders, and will also look for other factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing to remember in treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and modify unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety attack treatment without medication symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues will help you find out that your concerns are not unique.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you can moderately exercise most days of the week and consume a healthy diet that is packed with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.

Counseling

A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. These include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having a heartattack. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. Patients who experience them often 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 describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to deal with. They may prescribe antidepressants to reduce 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 your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.

A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.