Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment process for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason behind the attack.
They can 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 manage anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician who will look for an underlying medical condition. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to lessen anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that contribute to an anxiety treatment natural attack. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the worst is coming. This type of thinking is thought to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to confront these thoughts in order to decrease the chance of having an attack.
Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack, such as sweating and a pounding heart. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. The therapist can also instruct the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behavior that can cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears – such as crowds, or using public transportation – one by one until they feel more comfortable.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the root causes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could result in addiction and dependence, making it more difficult to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for those with lower incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should check with their provider to find out what is the best treatment for anxiety and depression options are available. Some therapists provide online anxiety treatment sessions, which can be beneficial for those who are unable to go in person.
Medicines
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters, in your brain. The most popular medications used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reducers (SSRIs). These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a brain chemical that affects mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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 class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they may be recommended when a fearful event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them alcohol or with other depressants. Healthcare professionals might only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases, and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important factor in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
Every person experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these feelings get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This helps you to feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines like lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax ® or Ativan ® and are often prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Sleeping enough is another key part of maintaining an active lifestyle. Getting at minimum eight hours of rest every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and find out that you are not alone.
A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim you can moderately exercise throughout the week and eat a healthy diet that is high in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, since they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has a panic attack is experiencing panic attacks, they can experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest and shaking, hyperventilation, dizziness and chills. They may also think they are having an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes, and then disappear. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give an extensive medical history, and perform an examination to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also look for any other health issues that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety treatment for autism attacks. It is generally recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can assist you in identifying 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 can modify your dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can 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 can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Your friends and family can also provide support as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.