Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to learn to cope with anxiety by speaking to the therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician who will check for an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one or thinking that the worst could happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuitry involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another option is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportationone at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.

Medicines

Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. 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. These are a group of antidepressants that includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety depression treatment medications that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They could also be risky when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.

If you suffer from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid issues, and will also look for other causes like negative childhood memories or other stressors that can contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to learn how to handle them. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.

Lifestyle changes

Every person experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

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

Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of an appropriate life style. At least eight hours of sleep each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help alleviate anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.

A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also do not take best herbal treatment for anxiety supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing a panic attack it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like an aching heart tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also believe that they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks Your doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical exam. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to deal with. They might also prescribe medication to treat anxiety, such as antidepressants, to ease your symptoms and prevent them from recurring.

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 may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.

A therapist or counselor will also help you learn to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also receive assistance from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.