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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks Psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are all part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack. They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to an therapist to discover how to deal with anxiety. Psychotherapy A psychiatrist or psychologist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary physician who can check for underlying medical issues. Based on the reason for the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy in order to lessen anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help someone recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. Catastrophizing is one or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking may be related to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and the brain circuitry that regulates anxiety and fear. The therapist may teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which will lower the risk of having an attack. Another method is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks such as a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which helps to relax. Additionally the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine and stress reduction strategies. Therapy practitioners may employ exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to face their fear -- such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease. Medications such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction which makes it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder. Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. Insurance holders should check with their provider to find out what services are covered. Some therapists provide online sessions, which could be beneficial for those who can't afford to visit in-person. Medicines In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. They are a category of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your 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 category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine, (Cymbalta). Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, including rapid heart rate, sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. Doctors don't usually prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed if a feared event triggers panic attacks. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. You could also be in trouble if you combine them with in conjunction with other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use. Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are triggered by a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other causes that could be contributing to the symptoms, such as adverse childhood experiences or other stressors. The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they are not harmful. It is also important to learn how to handle these attacks. If you have loved ones who could help, they can practice relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants which can trigger them. Lifestyle changes Everyone experiences moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be affected, it could be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are often effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a term that describes the various psychological treatment techniques. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common kind of treatment that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can reduce or eliminate panic by altering your reactions and behavior. Anti-anxiety medications can be beneficial in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce an sedative effect that makes 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 may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release hormones that make you feel good and boost mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also requires adequate sleep. Sleeping at least eight hours every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance. Getting involved in natural ways to treat anxiety and spending time with family and friends can also help alleviate anxiety. Joining a support group could also be a great way to meet others who share similar issues and learn that you're not the only one. A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise every day of the week. Eat a diet high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and as they can cause anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first consulting your healthcare provider. Counseling A panic attack can cause various symptoms. They include an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. 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 experience them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder. Your doctor will require you to give a detailed medical history, and perform an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also check for any other health issues that could cause similar symptoms. For instance thyroid issues or heart disease. The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in conjunction with an expert in mental health. It is recommended that you seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can help you identify triggers and teach how to manage. They might prescribe antidepressants to reduce symptoms and prevent the 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 the medication you're taking doesn't work the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type. A therapist or counselor can help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. You can also get assistance from your family and friends as you learn how to manage your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners take part in the treatment process for emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide an calming presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.
Member since: Saturday, July 27, 2024
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