What Experts Say You Should Learn

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with the therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical issue. Depending on the cause of the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be a result of the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks, such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.

Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged drugs to treat anxiety face their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or even free services. Insurance holders should check with their provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions that could be beneficial to those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medications

Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. 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 group of antidepressants that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if an event that is feared triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if the 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 aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who could help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek professional assistance if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and alter negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by altering your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel calmer. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining a healthy life style. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.

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

In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week and eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.

Counseling

When a person has an attack of panic is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They may also think they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how can i treat anxiety without medication to cope. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop 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 the medication to treat anxiety and depression doesn't work for you, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different kind.

A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also seek out assistance from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques together and act as a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.