The History Of Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks In 10 Milestones
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks can be achieved through psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Doctors can help their patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.
They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing pulse. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychiatrist or psychologist is able to diagnose anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who experience frequent panic attacks see their primary care doctor, who may check 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 may suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that lead to an panic attack. They include catastrophizing or imagining that the most terrible thing is about to happen. This type of thinking is thought to be a result of chemical imbalances in the amygdala as well as brain circuits that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another technique is to master the physical symptoms that come with panic attacks like a pounding heart and sweating. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, which is called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to develop a routine for sleeping that is efficient and stress-reducing strategies.
Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help a person overcome the avoidance behavior that fuel anxiety. For someone who suffers from agoraphobia for example, might be encouraged to confront their fears, such as crowds or using public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more at ease.
Anti-anxiety, anti-panic or benzodiazepines may help reduce the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. Long-term use of these drugs can cause dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to break the cycle. Many therapists do not prescribe medications as part of the treatment for panic disorder.
Behavioral therapy can be costly However, some providers offer sliding scale fees or free services for people with low incomes. If you have insurance you can contact your insurance provider to find out what coverage they provide. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be helpful for those who can't afford to go in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often suggest medication as a cure for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. The most commonly used medications to combat panic attacks are selective serotonin inhibits (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a brain chemical that influences 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. These are 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 like a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Healthcare professionals rarely prescribe them for panic disorder, but they may be recommended if a feared event triggers panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. However, they are addictive and can cause withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly. They may also be harmful if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask questions about your mental health, family history, and lifestyle when you are suffering from frequent attacks. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical issue, such as thyroid disease, and they will search for other factors that could be contributing to the symptoms, like adverse childhood experiences or other stressors.
The most important factor in managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you are surrounded by the support of family members they can help by implementing relaxation techniques and avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that can cause them to occur.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, if these feelings become extreme and persistent and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time for professional help. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is a term that describes various psychological treatment techniques. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy, which teaches you how to recognize and alter unhealthy emotions and thoughts that cause panic attacks. iampsychiatry.com can decrease 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 called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and produce the effect of sedation that makes you feel more relaxed. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax(r)) and lorazepam (Ativan(r)).
A healthy lifestyle can help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and boost mood. It's important to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine because these can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial element to maintaining an appropriate lifestyle. A minimum of eight hours of sleep every night can help ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive performance.
Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can help reduce anxiety. Being part of a group with similar concerns can help you to find out that your worries aren't unique.
Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, including meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime you should moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat healthy meals that are high in vegetables, fruits and proteins. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they may increase anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless discussing them with your healthcare provider first.
Counseling
A panic attack can cause many symptoms. These include a racing heart, chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They may also think they're dying or experiencing an attack on their heart. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes but then fade. People who have them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
To determine if you have panic attacks Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform physical examination. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and the frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is recommended that you seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to assist you in identifying your triggers and help you learn how to deal with them. They may 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 medications aren't working for you, your doctor may modify your dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You may also opt for cognitive behavioral therapy to address unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it can provide you with the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Family and friends can also provide assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of medical professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in on the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can assist you in relaxing and calm down when anxiety or panic attacks occur.