Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step to receive treatment for panic attacks is to see a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. They will also determine if there are any other conditions causing your symptoms.
People suffering from panic disorder might feel that their feelings aren't fully understood. They may be lonely from other people.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, often short-lived, intense feeling of anxiety and fear with no cause specific. Symptoms can include chest discomfort or pain and palpitations (accelerated heart rate) and breathing problems and feelings of choking. numbness or tingling, sweating and chills, and a sense that you are losing control. You might feel unsteady or dizzy, and you may have difficulty staying focused. People suffering from this disorder are anxious and tense in between attacks, and worry that another attack could occur. They may avoid situations or places they believe caused an panic attack. This can lead to a disorder called agoraphobia where you are scared to be in open spaces or situations which would be difficult to escape from.
If you know a loved one with this condition, help them to recognize an attack and work to calm them while the symptoms occur. Encourage them to breathe deeply and focus on a pleasant activity, like noting things around them, or counting to ten. They can also try the technique of grounding which involves touching a soothing object such as a handkerchief or soft blanket or even smelling something similar to mint.
If you suspect you have a panic disorder, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional. They will do a physical exam to make sure there isn't a medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they may refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Consult your doctor if you suffer from any other mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. If you have PTSD, you might experience depression, nightmares, flashbacks and feelings of separation or feeling disconnected. You may experience difficulty sleeping and may find it difficult to focus on your work or relationships. You may also experience suicidal thoughts in some instances. You can find information and assistance from a variety of sources including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people may notice that their symptoms are worse as they age. Some suffer from frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected moments of intense fear that feel like they're having a heart attack or other serious medical issue. They fear having more attacks and are hesitant to engage in situations that may trigger the symptoms. The condition can cause major issues in everyday life, including work and relationships. The symptoms can also affect sleep. There are two main treatment options available: psychotherapy and medications.
The first step to diagnose is talking to an expert in mental health or a medical professional. The patient must explain their symptoms, including the frequency at which they occur. The person will also be asked about their family history, and if they have other mental disorders. The doctor can conduct tests to determine physical reasons for the symptoms, for example the use of a blood test or imaging. These tests are typically normal.
If a doctor suspects panic disorder they will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and the time the time they occur. The doctor will also do an evaluation of the psychological state. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health issues or anxiety disorders the patient has had and the effects they have had. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress level and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, a medical professional who is skilled in treating mental illness, can diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medication. Other health professionals who can aid in treatment include psychologists and therapists, nurses and social workers.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a kind of treatment that involves talking with a licensed counselor or psychologist about the thoughts and feelings you experience. The aim is to alter negative habits and thoughts that contribute to panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-supported therapy, is among the most commonly used types of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT teaches new ways of thinking and behavior to help you overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder could consist of medication on its own or in combination psychotherapy. The most frequently prescribed medicines for this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and benzodiazepines. Finding the right medication may take a while. It's important to tell your doctor what you feel. Many people will test a variety of medicines before they find the one that suits them.
Treatment
Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your anxiety and decrease the number of panic attacks that you experience. Treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and may assist you in avoiding the need for other medications in the future. Some patients find a combination of both treatment options to be the most efficient.
A doctor may begin by performing a physical examination to determine if your symptoms are due to a medical issue. If not an issue, your health care professional will probably refer you to a mental health professional, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
Most people who experience panic attacks will become better over time, especially when they seek treatment. However, the rate of improvement varies from person to person. Some people have a few months or years of constant symptoms, then many symptom-free years. Some suffer from persistent symptoms that don't completely go away.
Your treatment plan will likely start with cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy can help you overcome negative thoughts that trigger anxiety and panic. You will also learn how to manage stress, and practice relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice daily to get the benefits.
In some instances, your doctor may also 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 clonazepam and alprazolam for treating panic disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants like imipramine (Tofranil) and Clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown effective in several double-blind studies.
Herbal supplements and dietary products aren't subject to the supervision of the FDA in the same way as medications are, so they could have unidentified risks or dangerous interactions with other medications. Although these supplements may be beneficial to certain people but your doctor might not recommend them.
It's important to have the assistance of your family and friends, as well as to take physical care of yourself. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and get enough rest. Spend time with people who know your situation and remain active.
Prevention
If you or someone you know suffers from an anxiety attack it is important to see a medical professional as quickly as possible. This could include your doctor, mental health professionals (such as psychologists or psychiatrist) or allied healthcare professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of intense fear or anxiety that can occur very quickly and for no apparent reason. They are usually short and last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, but they can linger much longer than that. You may feel breathless or feel as if your heart is racing. There may be chest pains or a sense of imminent danger. There are how to reduce anxiety disorder , like a pounding heart or racing heart (heart palpitations), or an uneasy feeling that you can't breathe (shortness or breath).
People with panic disorder often spend much of their time worrying about having a few more attacks or about what they might mean. This can cause them to avoid situations that they fear might cause an attack. This could have a negative effect on their daily lives and stop them from doing whatever they want to.
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, can be passed down in families. A person has a 40% chance of developing the condition when one of their first-degree relatives suffers from it. Certain medical conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome and some kinds of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
You can avoid panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Take anti-anxiety medications, but only under the supervision of your physician and for a short period of time. Talking with a psychotherapist who can guide you through strategies for managing stress and advise you on ways to deal with your fears. Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that could cause anxiety. A good night's sleep will allow you to stay alert and focused.
Encourage your family member or friend who suffers from frequent panic attacks to seek help. Remember that the attacks are not dangerous and will get better with treatment.