Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by talking to the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them and also believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking may be linked to chemical imbalances within the amygdala and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the possibility of an attack.
Another option is to learn
how to treat anxiety attacks to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. The therapist can also instruct the client to develop a sleep routine that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that cause anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- like crowds or public transportation- one at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of
non drug treatment for anxiety of panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most popular medications used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences 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. This is a category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, but they could be prescribed in the event that a stressful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term use by health care providers.
If you are suffering from frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid issues and will also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors that can contribute to the symptoms.
The most important thing to consider when managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.
Anti-anxiety medication can be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week and eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause a variety of symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks (
click here!) is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
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 might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can also help you learn how to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will gain the tools to manage your
depression anxiety treatment near me. You can also get support from your family members and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when panic or anxiety attacks happen.
