Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process 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 a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how treat Anxiety without medication to manage anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer the patient to a psychiatrist based on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify the actions and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking may be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist can guide the client how anxiety is treated to create an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.

Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportation -one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

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

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.

Medications

In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. These 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. These are a group of antidepressants, which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are often prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term use by health professionals.

If you're suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your physician will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are caused by an illness such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing best way to treat anxiety consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-menopause anxiety treatment medicines include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital element to maintaining an active lifestyle. At least eight hours of sleep every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help to reduce your anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you to find out that your worries are not unique.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss your doctor first.

Counseling

When a person has a panic attack it is possible that they experience different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They might also believe they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as a thyroid problem or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to manage them. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to ease the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

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 change the type of medication.

A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a tough process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.