The Under-Appreciated Benefits Of Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining 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 is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary physician who can check for underlying medical issues. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an panic attack. Catastrophizing is among them or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking could be related to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which will reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can coach the client to control their breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. In addition, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as stress reduction strategies.

Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to face the feared situation -- like crowds or public transportationeach step at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or even free services. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be beneficial for those who are unable to travel in person.

Medicines

Doctors typically prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to therapy. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. The SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), the 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 that includes Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. They can also be dangerous if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term use by health care professionals.

If you are suffering from recurrent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical examination and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues and will also look for other causes like negative childhood memories or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms.

The most important aspect 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 should practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that helps how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by changing your reactions and behavior.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle can also help in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones and boost your mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Getting involved in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you alleviate anxiety. Joining a community of people who have similar issues can help you figure out that your concerns aren't the only ones.

Additionally, a broad range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise on most days of the weeks and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. They include a racing heart and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or suffering from an attack of the heart. The attacks usually peak in minutes and then fade away. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and perform physical examination.  Iam Psychiatry  will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance, a thyroid issue or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is usually recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to manage. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to help 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 your medication isn't working, your doctor may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.

A therapist or counselor can assist you in learning how to manage your emotions, and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you'll be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also be a source of support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical assistance. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.