7 Effective Tips To Make The Greatest Use Of Your Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks
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 reason behind the attack. They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves speaking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety. Psychotherapy A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who will check for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental specialist depending on the reason for their anxiety. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that lead to an anxiety attack. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The Therapist can help the client confront these thoughts in order to decrease the risk 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 coach the client to control their breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. The therapist can also teach the client how to develop a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies. Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that can cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fear — such as crowds, or using public transport — one by one until they feel more comfortable. Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder. Behavioral therapy can be expensive, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to find out what options are available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which could be beneficial to those who cannot afford to visit in-person. Medications In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that influences mood in your brain. These 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. This is a category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta). Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared situation triggers a panic attack. Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term use by health care professionals. Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors. The most important thing to consider when managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have family members who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger 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. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by changing your behavior and reactions. Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, also known as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more calm. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax®) and lorazepam (Ativan®). A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition. Spending time with friends and family and taking part in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great opportunity to connect with others with similar concerns and discover that you're not alone. In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga and acupuncture, have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first. Counseling A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. They include the heart racing, 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 quickly disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder. Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether 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 issues that may cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease. The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and help you learn to manage. pills to treat anxiety can also prescribe medications such as antidepressants to reduce 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 your medication doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or change the type of medication. A therapist or counselor can also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. 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 join in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques with you and provide a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.