treatment for panic And anxiety attacks - elearnportal.Science,

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

They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit their primary care doctor who will look for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuitry involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to overcome these thoughts and reduce the risk of an attack.

Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behaviors that can cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as a part of treatment of panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions that can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medications

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural ways to treat depression and anxiety brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. The SSRIs are 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, but they may be recommended when a fearful situation triggers a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness such as thyroid diseases and be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these attacks. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is crucial to seek professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication to treat anxiety and depression are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve 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 healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities may help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good way to meet other people who share similar issues and find out that you are not alone.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate 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 every day of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that are processed, such as sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase situational anxiety treatment. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing panic attacks, they may experience many various symptoms, like a pounding heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 doesn't work, your doctor may change 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 tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can also be a source of assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.