Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help their patients manage symptoms by determining the reason behind the attack.

They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety. These include catastrophizing, or imagining that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuitry that are involved in processing fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies to reduce stress.

Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear -- like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term usage of these medications can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider see what coverage they offer. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most popular medications used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain 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 treatment without medication 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 natural ways to treat anxiety manage high blood pressure or heart problems they can also ease anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if a feared event triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They may also be harmful when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.

If you are suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness like thyroid disorders and will also look for other causes, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors, which may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing you can do in treating anxiety disorders panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to deal with them. If you have the support of your loved ones they can also assist by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

Every person experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety - what is it worth - disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release feel good hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of a healthy life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and discover that you're not alone.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including a pounding heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also think they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes and then disappear. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct physical examination. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended that you seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to a different type.

A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Friends and family members can be a source of assistance as you learn to deal with your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment for anxiety symptoms process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.