Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for anxiety and panic 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 prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care physician who will check for any underlying medical issues. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack like a pounding heart and sweating. The Therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation which helps to relax. Therapists can also teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and effective in reducing stress.

Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to attend in person.

Medications

Doctors often prescribe medication to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, which is a chemical that affects mood. 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are due to a medical condition, like thyroid issues and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.

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

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings become extreme and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or completely eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines like 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 mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. It is also a vital element to maintaining a healthy life style. Aiming for at minimum eight hours of rest every night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required best drug to treat anxiety confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and consume an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal treatment for anxiety supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Counseling

If someone is suffering from a panic attack, they may experience many various symptoms, like an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment of anxiety for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to deal with them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and prevent 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 medication you're taking doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch natural ways to treat depression and anxiety a different type.

A therapist or counselor will also help you learn to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.