anxiety-treatment

Treatment For Panic and Anxiety AttacksTreatment for panic and anxiety attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients in managing their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack.They can also prescribe beta-blockers such as propranolol or diazepam to slow a racing heart. Psychotherapy is a method to help you cope with anxiety by speaking with a therapist.PsychotherapyA psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many people who experience frequent panic attacks consult an primary care physician who will check for an underlying medical condition. I Am Psychiatry may refer the patient to a mental health specialist based on the root of the panic attack. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.Cognitive therapy can help someone identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that can trigger an anxiety attack. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is coming. This type of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala, and brain circuits that are that are involved in processing anxiety and fear. The counselor can assist the client to challenge these thoughts to reduce the possibility of an attack.Another option is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms that accompany panic attacks like sweating and a heart that is pounding. The Therapist can guide the patient through controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. Additionally, the therapist can teach the client how to create an effective sleep routine as well as strategies for reducing stress.Therapists may also employ exposure therapy to help someone overcome the avoidance behaviors that fuel anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for example, might be encouraged to face their fears — like crowds or public transportation — one by one until they feel more comfortable.Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can help to reduce the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective at treating the underlying causes of these attacks. The long-term use of these medications can result in dependence and addiction. This makes it more difficult to stop the cycle. Many therapists don’t prescribe medications as part of treatment of panic disorder.Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with low incomes, or free services. Insurance holders should contact their provider to inquire about what options are available. Some therapists provide online sessions, which can be beneficial for those who are unable to attend in person.MedicinesDoctors typically prescribe medication to treat panic attacks in addition to therapy. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines have been proven to be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity and length of symptoms. These medications help by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers known as neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. They are a class of antidepressants which increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood in your brain. SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft), 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 the venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta).Beta blockers, typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure or heart issues they can also ease anxiety symptoms such as rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder but may be prescribed if a feared event triggers a panic episode.Benzodiazepines are fast-acting anti-anxiety medications that can relieve anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms can be experienced if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them together with other depressants. They may only be suggested for short-term usage by health care professionals.If you are suffering from recurrent panic attacks, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle, and other mental health issues. They will determine whether your attacks are caused by an illness, such as thyroid diseases and also look for other factors like negative memories from childhood or other stressors, that could be contributing to the symptoms.The most important thing to do in treating panic attacks is to understand that they are not harmful. You should also learn how to deal with them. If you have loved ones who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which can cause them.Lifestyle changesWhile everyone has moments of being anxious or experiencing panic attacks, when these symptoms get more intense and persistent and cause your life to be significantly impacted, it may be time for professional help. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term that describes the various psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a popular kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by altering your thoughts and behaviors.Anti-anxiety medications can also help in reducing anxiety and anxiety. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and provide an sedative effect that makes you feel more calm. Commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medications 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 reduce anxiety, release positive hormones and improve mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night’s sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an appropriate life style. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and boost cognitive function.Engaging in social activities and spending time with family and friends can help you reduce your anxiety. Joining a support group can also be a good way to meet other people with similar concerns and learn that you’re not the only one.A wide range of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) practices such as yoga meditation and acupuncture demonstrate promising results for improving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are required to confirm these results. In the meantime, you should try to engage in moderate exercise most days of the week. Also, eat an omnivorous diet of vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain refined sugar, caffeine and alcohol in order to reduce anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements before consulting your doctor.CounselingA panic attack can cause various symptoms. These include an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation, and shaking. They might also believe they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks usually peak in minutes, and then disappear. People who experience them frequently may be diagnosed with panic disorder.Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history and conduct an examination to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and frequency they occur. They will also search for indications of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental health professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is advised to seek the help of a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can assist you in identifying your triggers and show you how to deal with them. They might also prescribe medication like antidepressants to ease your symptoms and prevent them from returning.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 the dosage or switch to another type.A therapist or counselor could assist you in managing your emotions. You might also do cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with negative beliefs and thoughts. This can be a challenging process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid panic attacks in the near future. Friends and family members can also be a source of support as you learn how 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 do relaxation exercises with you and provide a calming presence when your panic or anxiety attacks flare up.