Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by talking to the therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP may refer patients to a mental health specialist based on the root of their anxiety. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that cause anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it harder to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medications

In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that can affect 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. This is a category of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid issues and also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing 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 help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

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

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. Getting at least eight hours of sleep every night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to alleviate anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great best way to treat anxiety disorder to meet other people who have similar concerns and learn that you're not the only one.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week. Eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.

Counseling

When a person has an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also think they are experiencing an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you suffer from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for other health conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to deal with. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent repeat episodes.

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 will help you to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also receive assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.