Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal) which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to treat anxiety disorder without medication to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care provider who can check for the root of the problem. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This kind of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to question these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.

Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies to reduce stress.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, inquire with their insurance provider to find out what is anxiety disorder treatment options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who cannot afford to travel in person.

Medicines

Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that influences 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. These are a group of antidepressants that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you mix them with together with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could cause the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing to consider when treating panic attacks is recognizing meds that treat anxiety they are not harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have the support of loved ones they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to happen.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type 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 medicines can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide 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 help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Getting involved in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people who have similar issues can help you to find out that your worries aren't the only ones.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing an attack of panic it is possible that they experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. 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 can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to deal with. They may also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to ease your symptoms and stop them from recurring.

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 may alter your dosage or switch to another type.

A counselor or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also get assistance from your family and acquaintances as you learn 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 assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.