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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.
Psychotherapy A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks visit their primary physician who can check for underlying medical issues. The PCP may refer patients to a mental specialist depending on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking might be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack. Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress. Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transportation -- 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 useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. Long-term use of these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of the treatment for panic disorder. Behavioral therapy can be expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who can't afford to attend in person. Medications In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as escitalopram (Lexapro) and paroxetine (Paxil). https://www.iampsychiatry.com/anxiety-treatment -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, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them suddenly. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health professionals. Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health, family history, and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if your attacks are due to an illness like thyroid issues and will also look for other causes, such as adverse childhood memories or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms. The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones they can help by practicing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur. Lifestyle changes While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being severely affected, it might be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors. Anti-anxiety medications can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This allows you to feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)). A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. A healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. At least eight hours of sleep each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition. Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a group of people with similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries are not unique. A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim you should moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat an wholesome diet high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, or sugar in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your healthcare provider. Counseling A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder. To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks, your doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for signs of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, like the thyroid condition or heart disease. The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to deal with them. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent 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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication. A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it could provide you with the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also receive support from your family members and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up. |
