Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy can help you help you cope with anxiety by speaking to the therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical condition. The PCP may refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is one of them or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. These include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also teach the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, 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 medication, also known as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these attacks. Long-term use of these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it difficult to stop the cycle. A lot of therapists don’t prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. If you are insured, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions that could be beneficial to those who are unable to attend in person.
Medications
Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro) 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 the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when a feared event causes a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. You could also be in trouble if you mix them with alcohol or with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care providers.
If you’re suffering from frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health conditions. They will determine if the attacks are caused by an illness like thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they aren’t harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is crucial to seek out professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease anxiety, release positive hormones and boost your mood. It’s important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make anxiety symptoms worse. A good night’s sleep is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your concerns aren’t the only ones.
A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week and eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack, they may experience many various symptoms, like the heart beating faster tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail and conduct an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For example, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
The most effective anxiety treatment effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to cope with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid the recurrence.
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, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you’ll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.