Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.

They can prescribe benzodiazepines like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to a therapist to learn how to deal with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will look for an underlying medical issue. Based on the reason for the panic attack, the PCP may refer the person to a mental health professional. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy helps individuals identify the behaviors and patterns of thinking that trigger an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or believing the worst is coming. This type of thinking may be linked to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of 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 coach the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client to develop a routine for sleeping that is effective and stress-reduction strategies.

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 fear -- such as crowds, or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.

Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the root causes. The long-term use of these medications can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists offer online sessions which can be helpful for those who can't afford to travel in person.

Medications

In addition to treatment, doctors frequently recommend medication as a treatment for panic attacks. Some antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications have been proven to be effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They are a category of antidepressants that boost the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in the brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) and 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 are usually prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if the fear of a certain event causes a panic attack.

Benzodiazepines can be used to treat anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and lead to withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.

If you're suffering from recurrent 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 the attacks are caused by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and will also look for other factors that could contribute to the symptoms, such as trauma from childhood or other stressors.

The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have the support of your loved ones they can also assist by implementing relaxation techniques and staying away from caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to occur.

Lifestyle changes

It is crucial to seek professional help if you are experiencing extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medications are usually effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular type of treatment that teaches you to recognize and change unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or completely eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medication can also be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more relaxed. The most commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medicines include the benzodiazepines like alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).

A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine smoking, and drinking alcohol can increase anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive performance.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help alleviate anxiety. Joining a group of people who have similar issues will help you find out that your concerns aren't the only ones.

A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the interim you can moderately exercise on most days of the week and consume healthy meals that are rich in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, or sugar, since they can increase anticipatory anxiety treatment. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your physician.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger many symptoms. These include a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They might also believe they are dying or having an attack on their heart. The attacks usually last for a few minutes but then fade. People who experience them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

To determine if you suffer from panic attacks, your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a physical exam. They will also ask you to identify the symptoms and when they occur. They will also check for any other health conditions that can cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for anxiety and panic attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, with a mental health professional. It is generally recommended that you work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify your triggers and teach you how to manage 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 help you to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a challenging process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Friends and family members can also provide assistance as you learn how to manage your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.