Treatment For Panic Attacks
To get treatment for panic attacks the first step is to go to a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform an examination. They will make sure no other conditions are causing them.
People with panic disorder feel that their experiences aren't understood. People suffering from panic disorder might feel lonely.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, typically short-lived, intense feeling of fear and anxiety that is not ascribed to a specific cause. The symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, palpitations (accelerated heart rate) breathing problems, feelings of choking, sweating and chills, as well as a sense that you are losing control. You may feel unsteady or dizzy, and you may have difficulty concentrating. People with this disorder feel anxious and tense between attacks, and fear that another attack could occur. They might avoid places or situations they believe triggered a panic attack. This could lead to the disorder known as agoraphobia, where you fear being in open spaces or situations which could be difficult to get away from.
If you know a loved one who suffers from this condition, help them detect an attack and attempt to calm them while the symptoms are occurring. Encourage them to focus on a pleasant task, such as counting to ten or naming objects around them. You can also introduce the technique of grounding, which involves rubbing something calming like a handkerchief or blanket or smelling a specific scent, like mint.
You should consult a health care provider immediately if you are suffering from an anxiety attack. They will do an examination to ensure there isn't any medical cause for your symptoms. If there is, they can refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
It is also advisable to talk with your physician about other mental health issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you suffer from PTSD you may be suffering from depression, nightmares flashbacks and feelings of separation or feeling disconnected. You might have difficulty sleeping or find it difficult to focus on work or relationships. You may also experience suicidal thoughts in some instances. Many sources can provide you with information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people may find that their symptoms improve as they get older. Some people suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorders have frequent, unpredictable episodes of intense anxiety. They feel like they are having a heartattack or another serious medical condition. They fear having more attacks and are hesitant to engage in situations that may trigger the symptoms. The condition can cause serious issues, including in work and relationships. The symptoms can also interfere with sleep. There are two main treatment options: psychotherapy and medications.
The first step to diagnose is to talk to the doctor or mental health professional. The patient will be required to identify their symptoms and how often they occur. They must also answer questions about their family history as well as any other mental health problems. The doctor might conduct tests to rule out a physical cause for their symptoms, for example imaging or blood tests. These tests are generally considered to be normal.
If the doctor suspects that the patient has panic disorder, he'll request the patient to describe their symptoms and when they manifest. The doctor will also do a psychological evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health conditions or anxiety disorders the patient has had and their effects. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress level and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental illness, can diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medications. Psychologists, therapists and social workers are health care providers that can offer treatment.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a type of treatment that involves talking with an accredited psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. The aim is to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that cause panic attacks. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is supported by research is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT provides you with new ways to think and behave to help you overcome your fear.
Treatment for panic disorder could consist of medication either on its own or in combination psychotherapy. The most common medicines prescribed for this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and benzodiazepines. It may take some time to find the right medication for you and it's important to be honest with your doctor about what you are feeling. Many people test more than one medication before finding the right one for them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are two of the treatment options for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. The use of medication can lessen the intensity of your symptoms and may assist you in avoiding the need for other medication in the future. Some people discover that a combination of both treatments is best.
A health care provider might begin by conducting a physical examination to determine whether your symptoms are due to a medical issue. If there isn't, your health provider will likely refer you to a mental health professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists.
Most people who experience panic attacks will get better over time, especially those who seek treatment. However, the rate of improvement differs from person to person. Some people experience several months of symptoms followed by an extended period of time without symptoms. Others suffer from persistent, recurring symptoms that never disappear completely.
The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy for talking that can assist you in changing the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and anxiety. You will also learn to manage stress, and practice relaxation techniques. These are skills that you must regularly practice to reap the maximum benefit.
In some cases your doctor might prescribe a medication. It could be an antidepressant, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a sedative. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for instance, has approved the benzodiazepines clonazepam as well as alprazol for the treatment of panic disorder. In several double-blind clinical trials, tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine and clomipramine have been proven to be effective.
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 physician might not recommend them, even though certain people find them beneficial in managing their symptoms.
It is crucial to have friends and family help you and take care of your health. Sleep enough and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Stay active, and spend time with people who understand the struggles you're experiencing.
Prevention
If you or someone you know is having an anxiety disorder physical symptoms attack, it's important to see a healthcare professional right away. This could include your doctor or an expert in mental health (such as psychiatrists or psychologist) or an allied healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden sense of intense anxiety or terror that comes on very quickly and with no apparent reason. They usually last between 5 and 20 minutes but can last for a longer time. You may feel breathless or feel like your heart is racing. There may be chest pains or feel a sense of impending disaster. There could be other physical symptoms such as an agitated, fluttering, or the sensation of a tingling in your heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you aren't breathing (shortness of breath).
People suffering from panic disorders usually spend a lot of time worrying that they'll experience more attacks, or what these attacks might mean. This can cause them to avoid situations they fear will trigger an attack. This can effect on their daily lives and stop them from doing what they would like to.
Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can run through families. If a first-degree relative has the condition the person has an opportunity of 40% to develop it. Some medical conditions, like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias and irritable bowel syndrome are also linked with panic disorder.
You can help prevent panic attacks by:
Practicing deep breathing exercises to calm your body. Use anti-anxiety medication, but only under the supervision by your doctor and for a brief period. Talking to a psychotherapist who can help you learn strategies for managing stress and guide you on ways to cope with your fears. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants which can cause anxiety. A good night's sleep will ensure you remain alert and focused.
Encourage a family member or friend who is suffering frequently from panic Anxiety disorder attacks to seek help. Remember that the attacks aren't dangerous and will improve through treatment.