treatment for panic and anxiety attacks (official Clicavisos blog)

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

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy can help you overcome anxiety by speaking with an therapy.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician who will check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer a patient to a mental health specialist based on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify the actions and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of panic. This includes catastrophizing, or imagining that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to question these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack.

Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that can cause anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to face their fears, such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In the long run, these drugs can lead to addiction and dependence. This makes it harder to stop the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. Insurance holders should contact their provider to find out what is anxiety disorder treatment coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.

Medications

Doctors frequently prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants as well as anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most commonly used medications to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a natural treatment for stress and anxiety brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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 class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart conditions they can also ease anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. They aren't usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms could occur if you abruptly stop taking them. They could also be risky when you mix them 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, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical condition like thyroid disease, and they will search for other causes that could contribute to the symptoms, including trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they can apply relaxation techniques and stay clear of caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

It is important to seek professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another name for psychotherapy. It describes a wide variety of psychotherapy methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers are sedating and have a slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. Getting at least eight hours of rest every night can alleviate anxiety symptoms and enhance cognition.

Spending time with family and friends and engaging in social activities can alleviate anxiety. Participating in a support group can be a great way to meet others who share similar issues and find out that you are not alone.

In addition, a wide variety of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, have shown promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise on most days of the week. Also, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined alcohol, caffeine, sugar and in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.

Counseling

When a person has a panic attack, they may experience many various symptoms, like an aching heart, tightness in the chest shake, hyperventilation chills and dizziness. They may also think they're dying or suffering from an attack on their heart. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then fade away. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide an extensive medical history and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to explain your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as the thyroid condition or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is generally recommended to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and teach you how to manage them. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to ease 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 medications don't work for you, your doctor could change your dosage or switch to a different kind.

A counselor or therapist 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 tough process, but it could give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also receive assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical support. They can help you relax and calm when anxiety or panic attacks occur.