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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the reason for the attack.

They may prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows the speed of a heartbeat. Psychotherapy involves talking with a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care provider who will look for any an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the reason for the panic attack. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists people identify the actions and thinking patterns that trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the chance of having an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical manifestations of a panic attack. This includes a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. In addition, the therapist can teach the client to develop an effective sleeping routine and stress reduction strategies.

Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoiding behaviors that fuel anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia could be encouraged to confront the fearful situation -- such as crowds or public transportation -one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, are effective in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, long-term usage of these drugs can result in addiction and dependence, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as a part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with low incomes, or free services. If you are insured and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be helpful for those who are unable to go in person.

Medications

Doctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to treatment. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. The SSRIs include 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. These are a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart problems, can also reduce anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder but might be prescribed when the fear of a certain event causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health professionals.

If you suffer with frequent anxiety attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam 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 such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to handle these symptoms. If you are surrounded by the support of loved ones, they can also help by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of anxiety or panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate anxiety by changing your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety non medication treatment for anxiety can also be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, often referred to as tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel calmer. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle requires adequate sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends and taking part in social activities may help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good opportunity to connect with others who share similar issues and learn that you're not alone.

A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation ocd and anxiety treatment acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise throughout the week and consume healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain processed sugar, caffeine and alcohol, since they can increase anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed your doctor first.

Counseling

A panic attack may trigger a variety of symptoms. They include the heart racing, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack of the heart. The attacks are usually intense for a short period of time, then they fade away. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you have panic attacks the doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform physical examination. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to cope with them. They may also prescribe medication, such as antidepressants, to reduce your symptoms and stop 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 medication doesn't work for you, your doctor may alter 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 tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. 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. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when panic or anxiety attacks occur.