Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider who will look for an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which should lower the risk of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation which encourages relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that can cause anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if a feared event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, anxiety treatment medicines can be addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by an illness like thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that could cause the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing you can do when treating panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to manage these attacks. If you have family members who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. 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 to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a group of people 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 show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise on most days of the week. Eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are experiencing an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then fade away. People who have them frequently might 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 if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that could 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 treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent the 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 doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can help you how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also seek out assistance from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.