Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of their panic. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
IamPsychiatry for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as stress reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more comfortable.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. If you are insured, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also 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 influences mood in your brain. 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 control high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but might be prescribed when an event that is feared causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you mix them with together with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care providers.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are due to a medical condition, such as thyroid diseases 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 dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce an sedative effect that makes you feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great way to meet others who share similar issues and discover that you're not alone.
A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your physician.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. These include the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, but then fade. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed as having 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 how frequently they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent 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 your medication doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Family and friends can also be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and be a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.