Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They may prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by speaking with the therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary physician who will check for any the root of the problem. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the root of their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one and also believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack like sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a sleep routine that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to confront their fear -- such as crowds or using public transportation -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Insurance holders should contact their provider to inquire about what is best treatment for anxiety options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions which could be beneficial to those who can't afford to attend in person.

Medicines

In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high functioning anxiety treatment blood pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but could be prescribed if an event that is feared causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with alcohol or with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are due to an illness, such as thyroid diseases and will also look for other factors, such as adverse memories from childhood or other stressors that can contribute to the symptoms.

The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they aren't harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms become persistent and intense and result in your life being significantly impacted, it may be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment methods. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel more calm. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety attack symptoms female treatment symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an active lifestyle. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social anxiety treatment activities can help reduce anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues will help you find out that your worries aren't unique.

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also, avoid taking herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

When a person has panic attacks is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience various symptoms, like a pounding heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a short period of time, and then disappear. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for signs of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They might prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent 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 to treat anxiety doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or switch to a different type.

A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy in order to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Friends and family members can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can help you relax and calm when panic or anxiety attacks happen.