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Treatment For Panic and Anxiety Attacks Treatment for panic and anxiety attacks includes psychotherapy, medications and lifestyle adjustments. Doctors can assist patients manage their symptoms by determining the cause of the attack. They can prescribe benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam or beta-blockers such as propranolol (Inderal), which slows the heart rate. Psychotherapy involves talking with the therapist in order to learn how to cope with anxiety. Psychotherapy A psychiatrist or psychologist may diagnose anxiety and offer counseling (psychotherapy). People who suffer from panic attacks will visit their primary care physician who can check for an underlying medical issue. The PCP may refer the patient to a mental specialist depending on the cause of their anxiety. The therapist might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy to decrease anxiety. Cognitive therapy can help people identify patterns and behaviors of thinking that contribute to an panic attack. These include catastrophizing, or believing the worst is about to happen. This kind of thinking is believed to be linked to chemical imbalances in the amygdala and brain circuits that are involved in the processing of anxiety and fear. The therapist can help the client challenge these thoughts to reduce the risk of an attack. Another method is to understand how to manage the physical symptoms of a panic attack. They include sweating and a pulse that is pounding. The therapist can guide the client through controlled breathing, a method known as mindfulness meditation, which promotes relaxation. The therapist can also instruct the client how to develop a sleep routine that is effective and stress-reduction strategies. Therapists may use exposure therapy in order to help someone overcome avoidance behaviors which fuel anxiety. A person with agoraphobia, for instance, could be encouraged to face their fear — like crowds or public transport — one by one until they feel more comfortable. The use of medications such as anti-anxiety and anti-panic medications, or benzodiazepines, can be useful in decreasing the intensity of panic attacks. However, they are not effective in treating the underlying causes of these episodes. In fact, long-term use of these medications could result in addiction and dependence which makes it harder to stop the cycle of fear. A lot of therapists don't prescribe medications to treat panic disorder. Behavioral therapy can be costly however some providers offer sliding scale fees or even free services for people with low incomes. If you are insured you can contact your insurance provider to determine what coverage they have available. Some therapists provide online sessions which can be helpful for those who are unable to attend in person. Medications In addition to treatment, doctors frequently prescribe medication for panic attacks. Certain antidepressants, such as anti-anxiety medication, have been proven effective in decreasing the frequency, severity and duration of symptoms. These medications work by stabilizing the levels of chemical messengers referred to as neurotransmitters within your brain. The most commonly used medications to treat anxiety attacks are selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs). They increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that can affect mood. 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 category of antidepressants that includes venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine, (Cymbalta). Beta blockers are usually prescribed to control high pressure or heart problems. They can also reduce anxiety symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeats, sweating hands, trembling voices and shaking hands. They are not typically prescribed for panic disorder, but may be prescribed if an event that is feared triggers a panic episode. Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety drugs that work quickly which can ease anxiety symptoms instantly. They can be addictive, and withdrawal symptoms may occur if you suddenly stop taking them. It is also possible to get into trouble if you combine them with together with other depressants. Health professionals may only recommend them for short-term use. I Am Psychiatry will ask you questions about your mental health as well as your family history and your lifestyle if you suffer from recurrent attacks. They will determine if your attacks result from a medical condition like thyroid disease and will also look for other factors that might contribute to the symptoms, including adverse childhood experiences or other stressors. The most important thing to remember when treating panic attacks is to recognize that they aren't harmful. It is also important to know how to deal with them. If you have family members who could help, they can use relaxation techniques and stay away from caffeine and other stimulants that can trigger them. Lifestyle changes Everyone experiences moments of feeling anxious or having panic attacks, when these feelings become persistent and intense and cause your life to be severely affected, it might be time to seek out professional assistance. Psychotherapy and medication are typically effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Talk therapy is a different term for psychotherapy. It is a broad range of psychological treatment methods. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a typical kind of treatment that teaches how to recognize and modify negative thoughts and emotions that cause panic attacks. By changing your thoughts and behavior you can lessen or eliminate panic attacks. Anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in managing anxiety and pandemonium. These medicines, which are sometimes called tranquilizers, slow down the nervous system and have a sedating effect that helps you feel more calm. The most frequently prescribed anti-anxiety medication is benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax®) and lorazepam (Ativan®). A healthy lifestyle may also help relieve anxiety symptoms. Regular exercise can help lower stress, release feel-good hormones and improve mood. It is essential to avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine as they can make your anxiety symptoms worse. A good night's sleep is a crucial aspect of an active lifestyle. Getting at least eight hours of rest each night can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve cognition. Spending time with friends and family, and participating in social activities can help alleviate anxiety. Being part of a group who have similar issues can help you to find out that your concerns aren't unique. A variety of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices, such as yoga meditation and acupuncture show promising results for reducing anxiety symptoms. However, further clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings. In the meantime, try to do moderate exercise every day of the week. Also, eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean proteins as well as whole grains. Avoid foods containing processed sugar, alcohol and caffeine, as they can increase anxiety. Avoid taking herbal supplements without first speaking with your doctor. Counseling A panic attack can cause various symptoms. These include an accelerated heart rate and chest tightness, hyperventilation and shaking. They may also think they are dying or having an attack of the heart. The attacks typically peak within minutes and then fade away. Patients who experience them often may be diagnosed with panic disorder. To determine if you are suffering from panic attacks the doctor will take a detailed medical history and perform an examination. They will also ask you to describe the symptoms and when they occur. They will also look for symptoms of other health conditions that may cause similar symptoms, for example, the thyroid condition or heart disease. Talk therapy or psychotherapy with a mental healthcare professional is the most effective treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. It is generally advised to consult a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can help you identify triggers and show you how to cope. They may also prescribe medication like antidepressants to help 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 alter your dosage or switch to another kind. A counselor or therapist will also help you learn to manage your emotions, and you might do some cognitive behavioral therapy to deal with unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can be a tough process, but you will be able to use the tools to manage your anxiety. You can also get support from your family members and acquaintances as you learn to manage your symptoms. In fact, more and more health professionals are recommending that spouses or partners join in the treatment process to offer emotional and physical assistance. They can learn relaxation techniques with you and provide a calming presence when your anxiety or panic attacks begin to pop up.