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What Is The Reason Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Is Right For You
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason behind the attack.

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

Psychotherapy

A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to identify anxiety and offer counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks visit a primary care provider who will check for an underlying medical issue. Based on the root of the panic, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health professional. The therapist may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that lead to an panic attack. Catastrophizing is one of them and also thinking that the worst could happen. This type of thinking may be a result of chemical imbalances within the amygdala and brain circuitry that handles fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that accompany a panic attack like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the patient in controlled breathing, a method called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Additionally the therapist can guide the client how to create an effective sleeping routine and strategies to reduce stress.

Some therapists use exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome the habit of avoidance that fuels anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds, or using public transport -- one by one until they feel more at ease.

Anti-anxiety, anti panic, or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. They aren't effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. Many therapists do not prescribe medication as part of treatment for panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy is expensive, but some providers have 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 coverage is available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford in-person visits.

Medicines

In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters within your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications 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 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. This is a class of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers are typically prescribed to manage high blood pressure or heart issues. They also help reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they may be recommended in the event that a stressful event triggers panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them abruptly. They can also be dangerous when you mix them with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term use by health care professionals.

If you're suffering 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 caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues and will be looking for other contributing factors like traumatic memories from childhood or other stressors that could be contributing to the symptoms.

The most important thing you can do when dealing with panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to learn how to manage them. If you are surrounded by the support of your loved ones they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoid caffeine and other stimulants that could cause them to occur.

Lifestyle changes

Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these symptoms become extreme and persistent and result in your life being affected, it could be time to seek professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Talk therapy is another term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of treatment options for psychological disorders. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your reactions and behaviors you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be helpful in reducing anxiety and panic. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) are frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication.


A healthy lifestyle may also help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can ease stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. It is important to stay away from smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle includes getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can reduce anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.

Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and find out that you're not alone.

A wide range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. Further natural ways to treat anxiety are needed to confirm these results. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise on most days of the week. Eat an omnivorous diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Avoid foods containing alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they may cause anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.

Counseling

A panic attack can trigger a variety of symptoms. These include a racing heart chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they are suffering from a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a short period of time, but then fade. People who suffer from them often could be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will require you to give a detailed medical history and conduct 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 can cause similar symptoms, for example, a thyroid problem or heart disease.

The most effective treatment for panic and anxiety attacks is psychotherapy, or talk therapy, under the supervision of a mental health professional. It is recommended that you work with psychiatrists or psychologists. They can help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They might also prescribe medication such as antidepressants to reduce the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

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 the type of medication.

A therapist or counselor could help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. It can be a challenging process, but you will get the tools you need to manage your anxiety. You can also get assistance from your family and your friends as you learn to manage your symptoms. Health professionals are increasingly recommend that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process to provide emotional and physical support. They can learn relaxation techniques together and act as an calming presence when panic or anxiety attacks flare up.

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