Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider, who may check for a medical issue that may be underlying. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.

Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which could reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another method is to understand how to treat anxiety and stress to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pounding pulse. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoiding behaviors that can cause anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of the best treatment for generalized anxiety for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance, check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to go in person.

Medications

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These are a group of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and the 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. They are a class of antidepressants, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care professionals.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are due to an illness like thyroid issues and will also look for other factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important aspect in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of loved ones they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to occur.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing 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 relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety headache treatment symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of an active lifestyle. At least eight hours of sleep every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with friends and family can help to ease anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet other people who share similar issues and find out that you are not alone.

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

When a person has an attack of panic, they may experience many different symptoms, including a pounding heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. 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 panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to manage them. They may prescribe antidepressants 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 the medications aren't working for you, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to another kind.

A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also receive support from your family members and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.