Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.

They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves talking with an therapist to discover how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor who will check for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is one of them or believing that the worst is going to occur. This kind of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.

Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In the long run, these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions that can be beneficial for those who are unable 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. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat vagus nerve anxiety treatment attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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. This is a category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they may be recommended if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you suffer with frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid disorders and will also look for other causes like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to manage these symptoms. If you have loved ones who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medications can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce an sedative effect that makes you feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of an appropriate lifestyle. At least eight hours of rest each night can help reduce menopause anxiety treatment symptoms and improve cognition.

Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you to find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.

In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like the heart beating faster and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are having an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then fade away. Patients who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is recommended to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to cope. They can also prescribe medications, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and prevent them from returning.

Medications such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors), can anxiety go away without treatment 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 may change your dosage or switch to another type.

A counselor or therapist will help you to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Your friends and family can also be a source of assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.