See What Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Tricks The Celebs Are Utilizing
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who will check for any the root of the problem. The PCP might refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an anxiety attack. Catastrophizing is one and also believing that the worst is going to occur. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which should reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. These include sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For example, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportation -each step at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be helpful for those who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that influences mood, in your brain. 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. These are a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases and will be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they should apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad variety of psychotherapy methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can also be useful in managing inpatient anxiety treatment and anxiety. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle can help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Sleeping enough is another key aspect of a healthy life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet others who have similar concerns and find out that you're not alone.
A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise on most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster and chest tightness, hyperventilation, shaking, dizziness and chills. They may also think they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, then they fade away. People who experience them frequently could 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 whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to manage. 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 medications don't work for you, your doctor could alter your dosage or switch to another type.
A therapist or counselor can also help you learn to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get 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 join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.