Why Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Is Right For You?

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit an primary care physician who will check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the cause of their panic. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking could be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that processes anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client to question these thoughts, which will decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. This includes sweating and a pounding pulse. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled 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 and stress reduction strategies.

Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears -- such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more comfortable.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. The long-term use of these medications can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you are insured, contact your provider to see what coverage they offer. Some therapists provide online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.

Medicines

Doctors often prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. SSRIs are 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, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms such as 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 causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. They can also be dangerous when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

Your doctor will ask 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 caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease and they will look for other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms, including 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 manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek out professional help when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medicines 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 helps you to feel more calm. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.

A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key element to maintaining an active life style. At least eight hours of sleep every night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet others who have similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.

In addition, a wide selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as yoga, meditation and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, or sugar as they can cause anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless discussing your doctor first.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. This includes the heart racing chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they are having an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide your medical history in detail, and perform an examination to determine whether panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also check for other health conditions which could cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists.  holistic treatment for anxiety  can help you identify your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid repeat episodes.

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 alter your dosage or switch to another kind.

A therapist or counselor can also help you learn to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to address negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but you'll get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also receive support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and provide an calming presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.