What Is The Reason Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Is The Best Choice For You
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining what is the cause of the attack.
They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by speaking with an psychotherapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary physician who will look for any an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is one, or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances within the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which could lower the risk of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.
Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For someone who suffers from 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.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the intensity 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 to treat panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy is expensive However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for those with low incomes. If you are insured, contact your provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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. They are a class of antidepressants that includes the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if an event that is feared causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and cause withdrawal when you stop taking them abruptly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions about your mental health as well as family history and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical issue, like thyroid disease and they will look for other factors that might cause the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members, they can also help by practicing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that may trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek out professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.
Anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial in managing 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 relaxed. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a good way to meet others who have similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including yoga, meditation and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and consume a healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your physician first Line Treatment for Anxiety.
Counseling
When a person has an attack of panic it is possible that they experience various symptoms, like the heart beating faster, tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also believe that they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who suffer from them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history and conduct a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and when they occur. They will also search for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is advised to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and help you learn to deal with. They can also prescribe medications like antidepressants to ease your symptoms and stop the recurrence of symptoms.
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 the medication doesn't work for you, your doctor could change your dosage or switch to a different type.
A counselor or therapist will also help you learn to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it could provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. You can also seek out support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals recommend that spouses and partners take part in the homeopathic treatment for anxiety process for emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks happen.