15 Interesting Facts About Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks That Youve Never Heard Of
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can assist patients manage symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to the therapist in order to learn how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor, who may check for an underlying medical issue. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP might refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize patterns of behavior and thinking that can trigger an episode of panic. These include catastrophizing, or believing the most terrible thing is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can coach the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine and strategies for reducing stress.
Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoiding behaviors that cause anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, like crowds or public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as a part of treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance and want to inquire with your provider find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.
Medications
In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and length of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used medicines for panic attacks. These antidepressants increase serotonin levels in the brain, which is a 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. This is a class of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart issues they can also ease anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event triggers a panic episode.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. You can also get into trouble if you combine them in conjunction with other depressants. They are usually only recommended for short-term usage by health care professionals.
Your doctor will ask questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle in the event that you have recurring attacks. They will determine if the attacks are caused by a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might be contributing to the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important thing to remember in treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can lessen or completely eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medications can help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed to treat anxiety.
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It is important to stay away from alcohol, caffeine and smoking since they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also includes getting enough sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can also help reduce your anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet other people who have similar concerns and discover that you're not alone.
In addition, a wide range of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, show some promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the interim, you can try to moderately exercise most days of the week and consume an wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss 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 believe that they are having an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes, then they fade away. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you suffer from panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical history and perform physical examination. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and how often they occur. IamPsychiatry will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to cope. They might prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 your medication doesn't work your doctor might alter the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.
A therapist or counselor will help you how to manage your emotions, and you may also undergo cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also seek out support from your family and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses and partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and be an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.
