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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

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

They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks often visit their primary care physician who can check for the root of the problem. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy in order to decrease anxiety.

Cognitive therapy can help people recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is among them or thinking that the worst could happen. This kind 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 therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.

Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical manifestations of panic attacks. This includes a pounding pulse and sweating. The therapist may guide the client through controlled breathing, a technique known as mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. In addition the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.

Therapists may use exposure therapy as a way to help people overcome the avoidance behavior that causes anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportationone at one at a time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective at treating the underlying causes of these episodes. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists don't prescribe medications as part of the treatment for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be expensive however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for those with low incomes. Those who have insurance should check with their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists provide online sessions that could be beneficial to those who can't afford to go in person.

Medicines

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These are a group of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin, a best natural treatment for anxiety brain chemical that influences mood, in the brain. The SSRIs are 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. They are a class of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

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

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

If you suffer from frequent panic attacks, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health conditions. They will determine if your attacks are due to an illness, like thyroid issues and also look for other factors like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors, that may contribute to the symptoms.

The most important thing you can do when treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. It is also important to know how to handle them. If you have the support of family members they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that may cause them to happen.

Lifestyle changes

It is essential to seek professional assistance when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. You can lessen or eliminate panic by changing your behavior and reactions.

Anti-anxiety medication can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam and alprazolam, also referred to as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.

A healthy lifestyle can be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, drinking and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A healthy lifestyle involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can reduce anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet other people with similar concerns and learn that you are not alone.

A variety of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise throughout the week and eat a healthy diet that is packed with fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger various symptoms. They include the heart racing and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also believe that they're dying or suffering from a heartattack. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks Your doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. You will be asked to describe your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also check for other health conditions which could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is usually recommended to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify your triggers and show you how to cope with them. They might prescribe antidepressants in order to ease symptoms and prevent 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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor can change the dosage or switch to another kind.

A therapist or counselor could also help you manage your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you will gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Your friends and family can also provide assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact there are increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.