Why Is This Treatment For Panic And Anxiety Attacks So Beneficial? When COVID-19 Is In Session Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks

Psychotherapy, medications, and lifestyle changes are all a part of the treatment process for anxiety and panic disorders. Doctors can help patients manage their symptoms by determining the root cause of the attack.

They can also prescribe beta-blockers like diazepam or propranolol to slow the speed of a pulse. Psychotherapy is the process of talking to a therapist to learn how to cope with anxiety.

Psychotherapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can diagnose anxiety and provide counseling (psychotherapy). Many sufferers of panic attacks visit their primary care provider who will look for any underlying medical issues. Based on the root of the panic attack, the PCP may refer the patient to a mental health specialist. The therapist can recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy assists a person identify the behaviors and thinking patterns that can trigger an episode of anxiety. Catastrophizing is among them, or believing that the worst will happen. This type of thinking might be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuitry that regulates fear and anxiety. The Therapist can help the client overcome these thoughts and reduce the possibility of an attack.

Another technique is to learn to manage the physical symptoms that come with a panic attack such as sweating and a heart that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client in controlled breathing, which is known as mindfulness meditation, which encourages relaxation. In addition the therapist is able to guide the client to develop an effective sleep routine as well as stress reduction strategies.

Some therapists also use exposure therapy to help people overcome the avoidance behaviors that can cause anxiety. Someone suffering from agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fears, like crowds or public transportation -- one at a time one until they feel more comfortable.

Anti-anxiety, anti-panic, or benzodiazepines can reduce the severity of panic attacks. They are not effective in treating the underlying causes. In fact, the long-term use of these medications could cause dependence and addiction which makes it harder to break the cycle of anxiety. Many therapists do not prescribe medication to treat panic disorder.

Behavioral therapy can be costly, but some providers have sliding scale fees or even 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 are beneficial for those who can't afford in-person visits.

Medications

Doctors frequently prescribe medications to treat anxiety attacks, in addition to treatment. Some antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs have proven effective in decreasing the frequency, intensity and duration of symptoms. They are effective in stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers, referred to as neurotransmitters, in your brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most frequently prescribed medications for panic attacks. These antidepressants boost serotonin levels in the brain, a chemical that affects mood. These SSRIs include sertraline (Zoloft) as well as 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. This is a category of antidepressants, which includes venlafaxine, (Effexor), and duloxetine (Cymbalta).

Beta blockers, which are usually prescribed to control high blood pressure or heart conditions, can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate sweating, trembling voice and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but could be prescribed if a feared event causes panic attacks.

Benzodiazepines can be used to reduce anxiety symptoms quickly. However, they can also be addictive and can cause withdrawal when you stop taking them suddenly. They could also be risky when combined with alcohol or other depressants. They may only be recommended for short-term usage by health professionals.

If you are suffering from frequent panic attacks, your physician will conduct a physical exam and ask you questions about your family history, lifestyle and other mental health issues. They will determine if your attacks are caused by a medical condition, like thyroid issues and will also look for other causes like traumatic childhood memories or other stressors, which can contribute to the symptoms.

The most important aspect in managing panic attacks is understanding that they aren't harmful and figuring out how to deal with them. If you have family members who can help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that could trigger them.

Lifestyle changes

While everyone has moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be affected, it could be time to seek out professional assistance. Often, psychotherapy and medications are effective treatments for anxiety disorders.

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy is a term that describes a variety of psychological treatment methods. One of the most popular is cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches you to recognize and alter unhealthy thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. You can decrease or eliminate panic by changing your thoughts and behaviors.

Anti-anxiety medicines can also be useful in managing anxiety and panic. These medications, also referred to as tranquilizers or tranquilizers, have a sedating and slowing effect on the nervous system. This can help you feel calmer. 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 stress, release feel good hormones and improve your mood. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol smoking, and alcohol can aggravate anxiety symptoms. A good night's sleep is a crucial part of maintaining an appropriate lifestyle. At minimum eight hours of rest each night can help ease anxiety symptoms and improve cognition.

Engaging in social activities and spending time with friends and family can also help reduce your anxiety. Participating in a support group can also be a great way to meet others with similar concerns and find out that you're not the only one.

Additionally, a broad selection of CAM (complementary and alternative medicine) practices, like meditation, yoga and acupuncture, show some promising results in relieving anxiety symptoms. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. In the interim you should moderately exercise throughout the weeks and eat an wholesome diet packed with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. Avoid foods that contain alcohol, processed sugar, and caffeine, as they can cause anxiety. Also avoid taking herbal supplements unless you discuss your doctor first.

Counseling


If someone is suffering from panic attacks, they may experience many different symptoms, such as the heart beating faster tightness in the chest, hyperventilation, shaking, chills and dizziness. They may also think they are experiencing an attack on their heart or that they are dying. The attacks tend to be intense for a few minutes and then disappear. People who experience them frequently might be diagnosed with panic disorder.

Your doctor will ask you to provide a detailed medical history, and perform a physical examination in order to determine whether you are suffering from panic attacks. You will be asked to describe your symptoms and how frequently they occur. They will also search for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, like an issue with thyroid or heart disease.

Psychotherapy or talk therapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally recommended to seek out a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will be able to help you identify your triggers and teach you how to deal with them. They may prescribe antidepressants to ease symptoms and prevent 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 you're taking doesn't work, your doctor may change the dosage or change to a different kind of medication.

www.iampsychiatry.com or therapist can also help you manage your emotions. You could also consider cognitive behavioral therapy in order to tackle unhelpful beliefs and thoughts. This can be a difficult process, but you'll gain the tools to manage your anxiety. Family and friends can also provide support as you learn to deal with your symptoms. More and more health professionals suggest that spouses and partners participate in the treatment process for physical and emotional support. They can assist you in relaxing and calm when anxiety or panic attacks happen.