Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step to receive treatment for panic attacks is to visit a medical professional. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. They will ensure that no other issues are causing them.
People with panic disorder may feel like their experiences aren't fully understood. They may also feel isolated from others.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, usually brief, and short-lived bout of intense fear and anxiety that has no specific cause. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, palpitations (accelerated heart rate) and breathing problems, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, sweating and chills, as well as the feeling that you are losing control. You might feel unsteady or dizzy, and you may experience difficulty concentration. People suffering from this disorder frequently experience anxiety or tension between attacks and worry about when the next attack will occur. They may avoid places or situations they believe trigger a panic attack in the past which can lead to a condition called agoraphobia, which is when you become afraid of being in open spaces or situations that would be difficult or impossible to get away from.
If you are a parent or friend of one suffering from this condition, help them recognize an attack and work to calm them while the symptoms are happening. Encourage them to focus on a relaxing task, such as counting to ten or naming objects around them. You can also introduce the practice of grounding, which involves touching a relaxing object, such as a soft blanket or handkerchief or even smelling something similar to mint.
If you suspect you may be suffering from a panic disorder, you must immediately seek out a medical professional. They will perform a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms aren't caused by a medical issue. If they conclude that there is a medical explanation for your symptoms, they'll refer you to a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Talk to your doctor if you suffer from any other mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. If you suffer from PTSD you may experience depression, nightmares, flashbacks and feelings of detachment or feeling disconnected. You may experience difficulty sleeping and find it difficult to focus on your work or relationships. You might even experience suicidal thoughts in some instances. Numerous sources can provide information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people notice that their symptoms improve as they get older. Some people suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People suffering from panic disorder experience recurrent and sudden periods of intense anxiety that make them feel like they're suffering from an attack on their heart or another serious medical problem. They worry about having more attacks and stay away from situations where they might occur. The condition can cause major issues in everyday life, such as relationships and work. The symptoms may also interfere with sleep. Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatment options.
The first step in diagnosis is talking to a doctor or mental health professional. The person must describe their symptoms, including the frequency at which they are present. They should also answer questions regarding their family history and other mental health problems. The doctor might conduct tests to rule out a physical cause for their symptoms, such as blood work or imaging. These tests are usually normal.
If the doctor suspects that the patient is suffering from panic disorder, he'll ask them to describe the symptoms and the time they occur. The doctor will also carry out an assessment of the psychological state. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health conditions or anxiety disorders that the patient has experienced and the effects they have had. The doctor will want be aware of the patient's daily routine and stress level.
A psychiatrist, who is a medical specialist in mental illness, can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are also health care providers that can provide treatment.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a therapy that involves talking about your thoughts and feelings with a counselor or psychologist. The goal is to change unhealthy behaviors and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is backed by research is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT teaches new ways of thinking and behaving so you can overcome your fears.
Medications can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders. disorders anxiety prescribed medications for this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and benzodiazepines. It can take a while to determine the best medication for you and it's essential to be honest with your doctor about what you are experiencing. Many people try a variety of drugs before settling on one that suits them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medications are two options for treating panic disorder. Talk therapy helps you to learn to control your fears and reduce the number of panic attacks you experience. Medication can reduce the intensity of your symptoms and may help you avoid the use of other medications in the future. Some people find that using a combination of both treatments is best.
A doctor will begin by conducting an examination of your body to determine if your symptoms are caused by a medical issue. If not, your health provider will likely refer you to a mental healthcare professional, like psychiatrists or psychologists.
The majority of people who suffer from a panic attack will get better over time, particularly when they seek treatment. The rate of improvement can differ from person to. Some people have a few months of symptoms and then an extended period of time without symptoms. Others have persistent, recurrent symptoms that don't disappear completely.
The treatment plan for you will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that can help you change the negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and panic. You'll also learn to manage stress and develop relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice regularly to get the benefits.
In some cases your doctor may prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a tranquilizer. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, has approved the benzodiazepines alprazolam and clonazepam to treat panic disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Clomipramine (Anafranil) have been proven effective in several double-blind studies.
The FDA does not regulate herbal products and dietary supplement in the same way as prescription drugs therefore there could be unknown risks or risky drug interactions. Your doctor may not recommend them, even although some people find them helpful in controlling their symptoms.
It's crucial to have the support of your family and friends, as well as to take good care of yourself physically. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and get enough rest. Spend time with friends that are able to understand your situation and stay active.
The following is a list of preventions.
If you or someone else you know is experiencing an anxiety attack It is important to visit an emergency medical professional immediately. This could include your doctor and mental health professionals (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or other healthcare professionals like occupational or physiotherapist.
A panic attack is a sudden, intense feeling of anxiety or terror. It can occur suddenly and without apparent cause. They tend to be brief and last about 5 to 20 minutes, but they may last longer than that. You may feel exhausted or as if your heart is racing. You might also experience chest pains or a feeling of imminent disaster. There could be other physical symptoms such as a pounding, fluttering or the sensation of a tingling in your heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you can't breathe (shortness of breath).
People with panic disorder usually spend a lot of time worrying about recurring attacks or what they could mean. This can lead them to avoid situations they believe will trigger an attack. This could have a negative impact on their daily lives and hinder them from doing whatever they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, can be passed down through families. A person has 40% of developing the condition in the event that one of their relatives in the first degree has it. Certain medical conditions like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, irritable bowel syndrome and some kinds of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
You can avoid panic attacks by:
Practicing deep breathing exercises to relax your body. You can take anti-anxiety medicines, but only under the supervision of your doctor and for a brief period. A psychotherapist can help you discover strategies for managing stress and work on strategies to manage your anxieties. Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that can cause anxiety. Sleeping enough will help you remain alert and focused.
If you have a friend or family member who has frequent panic attacks, be supportive and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks are not dangerous and will improve with treatment.
