Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason behind the attack.

They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will look for any underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking might be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the possibility of an attack.

Another technique is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack, such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears -- such as crowds or using 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, such as benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications can result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should inquire with their insurance provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most popular medications used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. The SSRIs include 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 that includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care providers.

If you are suffering from frequent panic attacks, your physician will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness such as thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have the support of loved ones they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to happen.

Lifestyle changes

Every person experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings 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.

Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors, you can anxiety go away without treatment reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great way to meet others who have similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.

Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you can moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Counseling

A panic attack may trigger various symptoms. They include a racing heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended that you seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how treat anxiety without medication - just click the next article, to manage them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to reduce the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

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 could assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also provide assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment for anxiety near me process to provide physical and emotional support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.