Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a way to learn to cope with anxiety by speaking to a therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care physician who can check for underlying medical issues. The PCP might refer patients to a psychiatrist based on the root of their panic. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking could be related to chemical imbalances within the amygdala and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.

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

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.

Medicines

Doctors often prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. 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, which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if a feared event causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety treatment therapy symptoms immediately. 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 together with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will look for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing to remember when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to manage these attacks. If you have family members who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety; Full Guide, disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes the various psychological treatment techniques. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide a sedating effect that helps you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release happy hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining a healthy life style. Aiming for at least eight hours of sleep every night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help ease anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a good way to meet other people with similar concerns and find out that you're not the only one.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.

Counseling

A panic attack can cause a variety of symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they are experiencing an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment for anxiety treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to reduce symptoms and prevent 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 the medication you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.

A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.