8 Tips To Enhance Your Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks Game
Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Treatment for anxiety and panic attacks involves psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root reason for the attack.
They may also prescribe benzodiazepines such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers, such as propranolol (Inderal) which slows a racing heartbeat. Psychotherapy can help you learn to cope with anxiety by talking to an therapist.
Psychotherapy
A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and offer counseling. People who suffer from frequent panic attacks consult their primary care doctor who will check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP could refer the patient to a mental health specialist based on the reason for their panic. The therapist could suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help a person recognize behaviors and patterns of thinking that lead to an episode of panic. They include catastrophizing or believing that the worst is about to happen. This type of thinking may be related to the amygdala's chemical imbalances and brain circuitry that processes fear and anxiety. The therapist can help the client to challenge these thoughts, which could decrease the likelihood of an attack.
Another technique is to learn how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. These include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist may guide the client to control their breathing, a technique called mindfulness meditation that promotes relaxation. Therapists can also teach the client how to develop a sleep routine that is efficient and effective in reducing stress.
Some therapists use exposure therapy as a method to assist someone overcome avoidance behaviors which 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 by one until they feel more at ease.
The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medication to treat anxiety and depression, also known as benzodiazepines can be helpful in decreasing the severity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the root causes of these episodes. In fact, the long-term use of these drugs can lead to dependence and addiction, making it more difficult to break the cycle of anxiety. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder.
Some providers offer sliding scale rates for those with lower incomes, or free services. If you have insurance, check with their provider to inquire about what services are covered. Some therapists offer online sessions, which can be beneficial for people who cannot afford to attend in person.
Medicines
In addition to therapy, doctors often prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications have been proven to reduce the intensity, frequency and duration of symptoms. These medications are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for panic attacks. These are a group of antidepressants that increase the amount of serotonin a natural brain chemical that affects mood, in your brain. The SSRIs include 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 category of antidepressants which includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta).
Beta blockers are often prescribed to treat high pressure or heart issues. They can also help to reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a sweating, rapid heartbeat, trembling voices, and shaking hands. Health care professionals don't typically prescribe these medications for panic disorder, but they might be prescribed when a fearful situation triggers a panic attack.
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms immediately. However, they are addictive and lead to withdrawal in the event that you stop taking them abruptly. They could also be risky if you combine them with alcohol or other depressants. Health care providers may only recommend them for short-term use.
Your doctor will ask you questions regarding your mental health, family history, and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if the attacks result from a medical condition such as thyroid disease, and they will look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, like trauma from childhood or other stressors.
The most important thing to consider when managing panic attacks is understanding that they are not harmful and learning to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they should use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants which could trigger them.
Lifestyle changes
While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and result in your life being affected, it could be time for professional help. In most cases, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term used to describes a variety of psychological treatment techniques. A common type is cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that trigger panic attacks. By changing your behavior and reactions you can decrease or eliminate panic attacks.
Anti-anxiety medicines can also help in reducing anxiety and pandemonium. These medications, sometimes called tranquilizers, reduce the activity of the nervous system and have the effect of sedation that makes you feel more relaxed. Benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam or alprazolam, which are also known as Xanax (r) or Ativan (r), are commonly prescribed as anti-anxiety medications.
A healthy lifestyle can also be beneficial in relieving anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help reduce stress, release feel good hormones, and boost your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety treatment center symptoms. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle also involves getting enough sleep. The recommended minimum sleep time of 8 hours each night can ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognitive function.
Spending time with family and friends, and participating in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Joining a community of people who share similar concerns can help you figure out that your worries aren't the only ones.
A wide range of alternative treatments for anxiety and complementary medicine (CAM) practices like yoga meditation and acupuncture have shown promising results in reducing anxiety symptoms. However, more clinical trials are required to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise most days of the week and eat the diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean proteins, as well as whole grains. Avoid foods that contain processed alcohol, caffeine, sugar and in order to reduce anxiety. Also do not take herbal supplements unless you have discussed them with your physician first.
Counseling
If someone is suffering from an attack of panic, they may experience many various symptoms, like the heart beating faster and chest tightness shake, hyperventilation dizziness and chills. They might also believe they are experiencing a heart attack or that they are dying. The attacks usually last for a few minutes and then disappear. People who suffer from them often may be diagnosed as having panic disorder.
To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a complete medical history and conduct a physical exam. They will also ask you to explain the symptoms and how often they occur. They will also look for indications of other health conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as an issue with thyroid or heart disease.
Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of panic and anxiety attacks. It is anxiety treatable generally recommended to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and help you learn how to manage them. They may prescribe antidepressants to help ease symptoms and avoid 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 doesn't work for you, your doctor may change the dosage or switch to another kind.
A therapist or counselor will assist you in learning to manage your emotions and you could also engage in cognitive behavioral therapy to tackle negative thoughts and beliefs. It can be a tough process, but it can give you the tools to manage your anxiety and avoid anxiety attacks in the future. Family and friends can be a source of assistance as you begin how to manage your symptoms. Many health professionals suggest that spouses and partners join in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can do relaxation exercises with you and be a calm presence when anxiety or panic attacks start to flare up.