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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 help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.

They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers like propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP might refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the cause of their panic. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client confront these thoughts in order to decrease the risk of an attack.

Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks, such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more comfortable.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication as a part of treatment of panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford to visit in-person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most popular medications used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. 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. This is a category of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

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

Benzodiazepines are powerful anti-anxiety medicines which can ease anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They could also be risky when combined with alcohol or other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.

If you suffer with frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, like thyroid issues and will also look for other causes like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important factor in dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful and figuring out how to manage them. If you have loved ones who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek professional help in the event of extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or completely eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are often referred to as tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It's important to avoid smoking, drinking and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. It is also a vital aspect of a healthy lifestyle. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you to find out that your worries aren't the only ones.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing weak legs anxiety treatment symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise most days of the week and eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.

Counseling

If a person is experiencing panic attacks it is possible that they experience different symptoms, including an aching heart, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They might also believe they're dying or experiencing a heartattack. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, but then fade. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is recommended that you work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can assist you in identifying triggers and teach how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to help ease symptoms and avoid the recurrence.

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 modify your dosage or switch to another type.

A counselor or therapist will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative thoughts and beliefs. This can be a difficult process, but it could give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Family and friends can also be a source of assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.