Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.

They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by speaking to an therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care provider who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them and also believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking might be a result of chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety treatment without drugs and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks like sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, like crowds or public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can result in addiction and dependence, making it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be helpful for those who cannot afford to travel in person.

Medications

In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. 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. They are a class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety treatment non medication drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid issues and also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors that can contribute to the symptoms.

The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have the support of family members they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings get more intense ocd and anxiety treatment persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of natural treatment depression anxiety that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It is important to stay away from alcohol, caffeine and smoking because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Participating in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to ease anxiety. Joining a group of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries aren't the only ones.

In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes the heart racing, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective home treatment for anxiety attack of anxiety and panic attacks. It is usually recommended to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and show you how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 switch to a different type.

A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.