Treatment For Anxiety Attacks
A doctor may run tests to identify underlying medical conditions that can cause anxiety attacks. They can also instruct you on how to manage your symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy are effective treatments for anxiety. They may take time to work. Benzodiazepines can be utilized as an in-between treatment to treat severe anxiety.
Medicines
If psychotherapy is not enough to treat anxiety disorders, medication is a possibility. The drugs address the underlying imbalance of chemicals that cause the symptoms of an anxiety attack and can help manage them. Anxiety medications include antidepressants benzodiazepines as well as sedatives. Talk to your doctor about the best medication for you.
Your doctor will take into consideration your symptoms and family history when choosing the right anxiety treatment for you. They will also consider your other health issues, and any medications you take. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of psychotherapy with medications. Exposure therapy, biofeedback, and techniques for managing stress are other options that can be used for anxiety.
The most popular SSRIs are antidepressants used to treat anxiety. These medications reduce symptoms by resolving an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters that control mood. These include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants function similar to SSRIs, but with fewer side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants start at a low dose and slowly increased as time passes. They can interact with certain medications, such as birth control pills, acetaminophen and Ibuprofen.
Benzodiazepines may be prescribed to treat severe anxiety attacks. These medications target gamma-aminobutryic acid which is also known as GABA which is a neurochemical that acts to produce an calming effect. They are typically prescribed to treat panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias. Benzodiazepines are only recommended for short-term use as they can be addictive. They also reduce their effectiveness if used for more than 4 weeks at each time.
Alprazolam and Clonazepam are two other medications that can be prescribed when benzodiazepines aren't an option. These drugs are effective in treating panic attacks but not as effective as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. They are also addictive and may disrupt your sleep cycle.
It's crucial to be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms and how the medication is effective for you. Let them know of any other strategies you're trying to manage your symptoms, and ask for regular follow-ups. You can also use the telehealth service, such as Doctor On Demand which is covered by certain Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota policies. These online services allow you to consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist on your phone or computer.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a preferred treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. It is a proven therapy that targets both the thoughts and behaviors which contribute to anxiety. The therapist can teach you to recognize your negative thoughts, or thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. The therapist will also help you improve your behavior by teaching you how to cope with anxiety-related symptoms. These techniques include breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and exposure therapy. Therapists may also assign you homework to do between sessions. For instance, keeping track of your anxiety levels or doing something you've stayed away from because of it.
People suffering from panic disorder often suffer from avoidance behaviors, which are motivated by the fear they will have another panic attack. Avoiding situations that could cause anxiety, like crowded malls, elevators or highway driving is a way to prevent this. Avoidance behaviors can have a an impact on your overall quality of life. This type of anxiety can result in problems like problems with concentration at work, depression and even addiction problems.
The cause of panic disorders is believed to be a result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Stressful life events like moving into a new residence or the loss of the loss of a loved one are frequent triggers. Certain genes may increase the risk for anxiety disorders.
The aim of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help you learn to cope with your fears and improve your overall quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, unlike medication is a treatment that addresses the root cause and helps you develop coping skills that will be helpful in the future.
This kind of therapy may be difficult to begin with, even though it is effective in treating a broad range of anxiety disorders. You may require sessions for a few weeks before you begin to feel better. There may be some setbacks, like an increase in your symptoms however this is normal. It is essential to keep going and keep in mind that you will reap the rewards of your efforts.
Therapy for exposure
There are several treatment options for anxiety attacks, including psychotherapy and medications. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, aids people identify negative thoughts and emotions that can cause panic attacks or increase their severity. This kind of treatment typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which teaches people to alter negative patterns and learn better coping strategies. It teaches people to overcome their fear in certain situations. It is important to stick to a plan of treatment. Attending weekly therapy sessions regularly can help a patient feel better in 10-20 weeks.
CBT employs exposure therapy to help you face your fears repeatedly. The therapist will create plans to expose you to your fears in a safe and controlled environment. In vivo (real life) exposure is used, where you face your fears in the real world, or virtual reality where you confront your fears in a virtual environment. In vivo exposure is most effective for specific phobias. The therapy therapist will gradually expose your fears to you until it becomes less significant.
This therapy may be very intense. It can include flooding, where you are exposed to a threatening circumstance for a lengthy period of time. It can also include cognitive therapy, psychoeducation, and behavioral therapy. It is used in nearly all of the major anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's also beneficial for anxiety related to social situations.
It is important to locate a doctor who is experienced in exposure therapy. Select a specialist who is registered with an association or network that is specialized in treating anxiety disorders. It is recommended to check for reviews. You could also ask your doctor for the recommendation of a specialist. You can even join an online support group for those who suffer from anxiety. Keeping physically best herbal treatment for anxiety and using relaxation techniques can aid in reducing anxiety. Avoid drinking and recreational drug use and smoking cigarettes as they can all trigger anxiety or worsen it. It's also important not to put too much pressure on yourself, as this may increase anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines (also called benzos) are powerful medicines which treat anxiety well. However, they can be addictive and have severe side effects if they are taken frequently or over a long period of time. They are thus only prescribed to relieve severe anxiety or insomnia for a short period of time.
They work by slowing the nervous system and causes the body to relax. They can be taken orally as tablets, liquids or sprays, and can be injected into veins. Benzos can be used to treat insomnia, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorders. They are especially helpful for those who suffer from panic attacks as they can provide instant and effective relief from symptoms. They can be prescribed as a separate treatment or in conjunction with other treatments like CBT.
There are many different kinds of benzos, each possessing a different strength and duration of action and absorption rate by the body. There is a connection between the amount of time a benzo is used for and its potential to be misused, so shorter-acting benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam) are often preferred.
Benzodiazepines can trigger harmful side effects when taken in conjunction with other drugs, such as sedatives or painkillers. These interactions can also increase the effects of drugs, leading to an overdose or even death. Benzodiazepines also interact with certain food items and herbal remedies. If you are taking a benzo, it is important to inform your physician and pharmacist of any other medications you are taking or plan to take.
When a person takes benzodiazepines long-term the brain is dependent on them to function normally. This is known as physical dependence, and it can trigger several symptoms like withdrawal, tolerance and craving. This kind of dependence is different from addiction which is an uncontrollable, compulsive need to take the substances.
When used correctly When used properly, benzodiazepines can be extremely effective and cause few side effects. They should only be considered as a treatment option when other alternatives have failed or aren't feasible. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mediation are non-drug methods for anxiety management.