See What Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Tricks The Celebs Are…

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is a way to overcome anxiety by talking to the therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult a primary care provider who will check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that lead to an panic attack. This includes catastrophizing, or believing the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is believed to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry involved in the processing of fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which should decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another technique is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and strategies for reducing stress.

Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy as a way to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For example, a person who suffers from agoraphobia may be urged to confront the fearful situation like crowds or public transportation -- one at a time until they feel more comfortable in these settings.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating anxiety the underlying causes. Long-term use of these drugs can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Insurance holders should check with their provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.

Medicines

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 frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters, within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, which is a chemical that influences mood. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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 the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

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

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly 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 usage by health care providers.

Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and 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 will also look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, such as negative childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, if these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by changing your reactions and behavior.

Anti-anxiety medications can also help in reducing anxiety and panic. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can slow down the nervous system and provide the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial 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. At least eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Spending time with friends and family and engaging in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people with similar concerns will help you find out that your worries are not unique.

Additionally, a broad variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your physician.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. This includes an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are having a heart attack 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 suffer from panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and conduct an examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and teach you how to treat anxiety without medicine to manage them. They may also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to help ease the symptoms and prevent them from recurring.

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 medications don't work for you, your doctor could modify your dosage or switch to another type.

A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools you need to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. You can also get support from your family members and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses and partners join in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.