Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by talking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any the root of the problem. The PCP might refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist can suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one and also thinking that the worst could occur. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Therapists can also teach the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to help people overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. I Am Psychiatry -term use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when a feared event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.
If you are suffering 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 your attacks result from a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will search for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have the support of family members, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment techniques. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can slow down the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more relaxed. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining an active life style. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries aren't the only ones.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. These include a racing heart chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They can also prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, to ease the 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 doesn't work for you, your doctor can alter the dosage or switch to a different kind.
A therapist or counselor can assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Your friends and family can also provide support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.