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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle changes. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam, or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy is a method to overcome anxiety by speaking to a therapist.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who will check for any underlying medical issues. The PCP could refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the cause of the panic attack. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps a person identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that can trigger an episode of anxiety treatment natural. Catastrophizing is among them, or thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking is believed to be related to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client meds to treat anxiety overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another method is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that helps to relax. The therapist can also instruct the client how to create a sleep routine that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.

Therapists may use exposure therapy as a method to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For instance, a person with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- like crowds or public transportationeach step at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in those settings.

Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as part of treatment for panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, contact their provider to find out what coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which are beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.

Medications

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat panic attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). These antidepressants increase 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 group of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart problems They can also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice, and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe them for panic disorder, however they may be recommended if a feared situation triggers a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that relieve anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they can be addictive and lead to withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. 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.

Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if the attacks are triggered by an illness like thyroid disease and they will search for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, like negative childhood experiences or other stressors.

The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to realize that they aren't harmful. You should also learn how to handle these symptoms. If you have family members who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

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

Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It covers a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or completely eliminate panic attacks.

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

A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial element to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 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 reduce anxiety. Joining a support group can be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and discover that you are not alone.

Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, show some promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise on most days of the week and eat a healthy diet that is packed with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Also, do not take herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

A panic attack may trigger various symptoms. They include a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they are suffering from an attack on their heart, or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak within minutes and then quickly disappear. People who experience them often might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you suffer from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like a thyroid problem or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with a mental health professional. It is recommended to work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to treat anxiety without drugs to cope with them. 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 can assist you in learning to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools you need 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. More and more health professionals recommend that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can practice relaxation techniques together and act as a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.