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 may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a way to learn to cope with anxiety by speaking with an therapy.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor, who may check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP might refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the root of their anxiety. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of anxiety. They include catastrophizing or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking might be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, which is called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create 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. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear -- such as crowds or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or even free services. If you have insurance, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to travel in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. 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. This is a category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart issues They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful situation triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They may also be harmful when you mix 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, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by an illness such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could cause the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important aspect in managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense 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 covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial element to maintaining an active life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help reduce your anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns will help you find out that your concerns aren't unique.
Additionally, natural anxiety treatments of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise most days of the week and eat a healthy diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your doctor.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from an attack of panic it is possible that they experience different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster and chest tightness, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also think they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, but then fade. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of an expert in mental health. It is generally recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and show you how to cope with them. They can also prescribe medications like antidepressants to help ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.
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 aren't working for you, your doctor could alter your dosage or switch to a different kind.
A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when panic or anxiety attacks occur.
