Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to see an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask questions regarding your symptoms and perform a physical examination. They will make sure no other conditions are causing them.
People with panic disorder may feel that their feelings are not being understood. They might also feel isolated from others.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, often brief, and short-lived bout of intense fear and anxiety with no cause specific. Symptoms include chest discomfort as well as breathing problems, palpitations and feelings of choking in numbness, tingling, chills, numbness, sweating and the feeling that you're losing control. You may be unsteady or dizzy and you might have trouble concentrating. People suffering from this disorder frequently experience anxiety or tension between attacks and worry about when another attack will occur. They may avoid situations or places that they believe caused a panic attack. This could lead to the disorder known as agoraphobia, where you are scared to be in open spaces or in situations that could be difficult to get away from.
If you know someone suffering from this disorder Try to help them calm even when they're experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to take a deep breath and concentrate on a relaxing task, such as noting things around them, or counting to 10. They can also try the technique of grounding that involves putting their hands on a soothing object, such as a handkerchief or soft blanket, or smelling something like mint.
You should see a health care provider immediately if you are experiencing a panic attack. They will perform an examination to confirm that your symptoms are not caused by a medical issue. If there is, they can refer you to a mental health professional like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also speak with your physician about other mental health issues like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. You might experience depression, nightmares or flashbacks, as well as a feeling of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You might have difficulty sleeping or have difficulty being able to focus on relationships or work. You may also experience suicidal thoughts in some instances. Many resources can offer advice and support, such as your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people notice that their symptoms get better as they age. Certain people experience panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People suffering from panic disorder experience recurrent and sudden episodes of intense fear that make it feel like they're experiencing a heart attack or other serious medical issue. They worry about having more attacks and stay away from situations where they could occur. The condition can cause significant problems in daily life, including relationships and work. The symptoms can also affect sleep. There are two main treatment options available: psychotherapy and medication.
Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The patient will be required to identify their symptoms and the frequency at which they occur. The person will also be asked about their family history and if they have other mental issues. The doctor may conduct tests to determine if there is a physical cause for their symptoms, such as blood work or imaging. These tests are typically normal.
If the doctor suspects panic disorder, they will ask the patient to identify their symptoms and when they manifest. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of psychological health. The doctor will inquire about other mental health issues that the patient has had and their impact on the patient. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress level and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is specialized in mental illness, can diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medications. Other health professionals who can help with treatment include psychologists and therapists, nurses, and social workers.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a therapy that involves talking about your thoughts and feelings with a counselor or psychologist. The aim is to modify negative thoughts and behaviors that cause panic attacks. CBT, a type of psychotherapy that is backed by research is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT offers new ways of thinking and acting so that you can conquer your anxiety.
Medications can be used alone or in combination with psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders. Antidepressants, anti anxiety drugs and benzodiazepines are the three most commonly prescribed medicines for this condition. It can take time to find the right medicine for you and it's important to be honest with your physician about how you're feeling. generalized anxiety disorder will test a variety of drugs before settling on one that is effective for them.
Treatment
Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy can help you control your fears and reduce anxiety attacks. Treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms, and may assist you in avoiding the use of other medications in the future. Some people prefer a combination of both treatments to be the most effective.
A doctor may begin by performing an examination of your body to determine whether your symptoms are due to a medical issue. If there isn't an issue, your health care professional will probably refer you to a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Most people who have panic attacks will become better over time, especially those who seek treatment. But the rate of improvement differs from person to person. Some sufferers experience some months of symptoms followed by a long period without any symptoms. Some suffer from persistent, recurring symptoms that never disappear completely.
Your treatment plan is likely to begin with cognitive behavior therapy. This kind of therapy for talking can help you change negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and panic. You'll also learn how to manage stress and develop relaxation techniques. These are abilities you'll need to be practicing every day to reap the most benefits.
In some cases your doctor might also prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or an tranquilizer. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), for example were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat panic disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown to be effective in a number of double-blind studies.
The FDA doesn't monitor herbal products and supplements in the same way as medications and therefore, there are unknown risks or risky interactions with drugs. Your health care provider may not recommend them, even although certain people find them beneficial in managing their symptoms.
It's crucial to have the assistance of your family and friends, as well as to take good health care of yourself physically. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and sleep enough. Stay active, and spend time with friends who know what you're going through.
The following is a list of preventatives.
If you or someone you know suffers from an attack of panic it is important to see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. This could include your doctor and mental health professionals (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or allied healthcare professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden feeling of terror or intense anxiety that comes on very quickly and without reason. They typically last between 5 to 20 minutes, but can last much longer. You may feel exhausted or as if your heart is racing. You might also experience chest pains or a feeling of impending disaster. You may also experience other physical symptoms, such as an agitated, fluttering, or tingling heart (heart palpitations) or a sensation that you're unable to breathe (shortness of breath).
People with panic disorders often spend a great deal of time worrying about whether they will have more attacks, or what these attacks could be referring to. This can cause them to avoid situations that could cause an attack. This can have an effect on their daily lives and stop them from doing what they would like to do.
Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can run in families. If a first-degree relative has the condition the person has an opportunity of 40% to develop it. Certain medical conditions, such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, IBS, and certain types of medications can be linked with panic disorder.
You can prevent panic attacks by:
Doing exercises for deep breathing to calm your body. You can take anti-anxiety medications, but only for a limited amount of time and always under doctor's supervision. A psychotherapist can assist you to discover strategies for managing stress and assist you in finding strategies to manage your anxieties. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants which can aggravate anxiety. Getting enough sleep to help you stay alert and focused.
If you know a friend or family member who has frequent panic attacks, support them and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks are not dangerous and will improve through treatment.