Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a way to help you cope with anxiety by talking to the psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will check for any underlying medical issues. The PCP could refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their panic. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
medication to treat anxiety www.iampsychiatry.com helps individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that contribute to an episode anxiety. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst will occur. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.
Another method is to master the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. The therapist can also instruct the client how to develop an effective sleep routine. efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia could be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportation -one at each time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who can't afford to attend in person.
Medicines
Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, also known 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 group of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, however they could be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly 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.
If you are suffering from frequent 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 your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid issues and be looking for other contributing factors, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, which could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important thing to consider when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, is a term that describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate anxiety by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medication can be helpful in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining an appropriate life style. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest every night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help ease anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise on most days of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables 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 consulting your healthcare provider.
Counseling
If a person is experiencing panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, dizziness and chills. They may also think they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, then they fade away. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to manage them. They can also prescribe medications like antidepressants to reduce your symptoms and stop 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 your medication isn't working the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.