Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. 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 the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to the therapist in order to learn how to treat anxiety without drugs to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them, or thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking may be linked to the amygdala’s chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which should lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The Therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation which promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that cause anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario — such as crowds or public transportation- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these attacks. In fact, long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don’t prescribe medication as a part of treatment for anxiety attacks for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for those who can’t afford in-person visits.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that can affect mood. 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. They are a class of antidepressants which includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat 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. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. You can also get into trouble if you mix them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health care providers.
If you suffer from recurrent anxiety 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 if the attacks are caused by a medical issue, like thyroid disease, and will also look for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important aspect in treating anxiety in bipolar disorder panic attacks is recognizing that they aren’t harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is important to seek professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.
Natural Anti Anxiety Treatment (Peatix.Com)-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It’s important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night’s sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an appropriate lifestyle. Aiming for at least eight hours of rest every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and learn that you’re not the only one.
A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, but then fade. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying 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 might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist can assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you’ll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out assistance from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.
