8 Tips To Up Your Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Game
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications are all a part of the treatment plan for panic and anxiety disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root of the attack.
They may also prescribe beta-blockers, like diazepam or propranolol to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy involves speaking with an therapist to discover how to cope with anxiety.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist is able to identify anxiety and provide counseling. Many people who suffer from frequent panic attacks see an primary care physician, who may check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer a patient to a psychiatrist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist could recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy can help a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that contribute to an episode panic. Catastrophizing is one of them, or believing that the worst is going to happen. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and the brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can teach the client to challenge these thoughts, which should reduce the chance of having an attack.
Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of panic attacks. This includes sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. Additionally the therapist can guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as strategies to reduce stress.
Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. For instance, a patient with agoraphobia might be encouraged to confront the feared scenario -- such as crowds or public transportationone at each time until they feel more comfortable in the environment.
Treatments such as anti-anxiety or anti-panic medication, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in reducing the severity of panic attacks. However, they aren't effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term usage of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to break the cycle of fear. Many therapists don't prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale fees for people with low incomes, or even free services. Insurance holders should contact their provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists provide online sessions which can be helpful for those who can't afford to travel in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often recommend medication as a treatment 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 help to stabilize levels of chemical messengers, known as neurotransmitters in your brain. The most common medicines used to combat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake reducers (SSRIs). These are a group of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin, a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your 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 that includes venlafaxine, (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms like a rapid heartbeat, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not usually prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.
Benzodiazepines can be used to relieve anxiety symptoms quickly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms can occur if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with alcohol or with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health, family history, and lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases, and will also look for other factors like negative childhood memories or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.
The most important aspect in treating panic attacks is recognizing that they are not harmful and learning to manage them. If you have family members who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.
Lifestyle changes
It is essential to seek professional assistance when you are suffering from extreme anxiety or panic attacks. Psychotherapy and medication are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It describes a wide range of treatment options for psychological disorders. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common type of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By altering your thoughts and behavior, you can reduce or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medication can help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, can reduce the activity of the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel calmer. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r) and are often prescribed anti-anxiety medication.
A healthy lifestyle may also aid in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release happy hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and smoking can worsen anxiety symptoms. Maintaining drugs to treat anxiety includes getting enough sleep. A minimum of eight hours of sleep each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.
Participating in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help to ease anxiety. Joining a support group could be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and learn that you're not alone.
Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, demonstrate promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to get moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that are processed, such as alcohol, caffeine, sugar and, since they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.
Counseling
When a person has an attack of panic it is possible that they experience different symptoms, including an aching heart tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also think they are having a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks are usually intense for a few minutes then they fade away. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.
Your doctor will require you to give your medical history in detail, and perform a physical examination in order to determine if panic attacks are present. You will be asked to explain your symptoms as well as the frequency they occur. They will also search for other health conditions which can cause similar symptoms. For example thyroid issues or heart disease.
Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective method of treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to manage them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help ease your 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 the way you want, your doctor could alter the dosage or switch to a different type.
A therapist or counselor can help you to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools you require to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the future. Your friends and family can also be a source of assistance as you begin to deal with your symptoms. In fact increasing numbers of health professionals are suggesting that spouses or partners participate in the treatment process to provide both emotional and physical assistance. They can do relaxation exercises together and act as an calming presence when anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.