Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
treatment for anxiety symptoms for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. 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 overcome anxiety by speaking to a therapy.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care provider who can check for underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health specialist. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. These include catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates fear and driving anxiety treatment. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. For instance, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario — such as crowds or public transportation — one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren’t effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. Insurance holders should contact their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial for those who can’t afford in-person visits.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most popular medications used to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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 category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they might be prescribed if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. You can also get into trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could contribute to the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren’t harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have the support of your loved ones they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time for professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological best treatment for anxiety disorder generalized techniques. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It’s important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital aspect of an appropriate life style. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Getting involved in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to ease anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you to find out that your worries aren’t unique.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise on most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as an aching heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are suffering from an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes, but then fade. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is usually recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They may also prescribe medication like 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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the best treatment for anxiety and depression process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.