Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Tools To Make Your Life Everyday

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment plan for anxiety and panic disorders.  IamPsychiatry  can help their patients manage symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy involves speaking with the therapist in order to learn how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will look for a medical issue that may be underlying. The PCP may refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the root of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one and also thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking may be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the risk of an attack.

Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. This includes a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can guide the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.

Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, like crowds or public transportation -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines may help reduce the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. Long-term use of these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should inquire with their insurance provider to inquire about what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in your 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. They are a class of antidepressants which includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you mix them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health professionals.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will search for other factors that could contribute to the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important thing you can do in treating panic attacks is to realize that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to handle these symptoms. 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

Every person experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that helps you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and boost mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Participating in social activities and spending time with your family and friends can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a great way to meet other people who have similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.

In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing a panic attack it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like an aching heart and chest tightness and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or suffering from a heartattack. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that may cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic 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 teach how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants 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 your medication doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.

A therapist or counselor will also help you learn how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also be a source of support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.