Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care physician who can check for underlying medical issues. The PCP might refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one of them and also believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking could be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact your provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The SSRIs include 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 that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care providers.
If you suffer from frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing you can do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have loved ones who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these symptoms become persistent and intense and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to 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 help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle requires adequate sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns are not unique.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate 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 fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your physician first.
Counseling
A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. These include an accelerated heart rate, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or experiencing an attack of the heart. Iam Psychiatry peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and conduct an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 the medication you're taking doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.