Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step to get treatment for panic attacks is to see an experienced healthcare professional. The provider will ask you questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will also determine whether there are any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
People with panic disorder feel that their experiences are not being understood. People suffering from panic disorder might also feel isolated.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, often brief, and short-lived bout of intense fear and anxiety that has no specific cause. The symptoms can include chest discomfort or pain and palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties, feelings of choking, sweating and chills, and an impression that you're losing control. You might be unsteady, dizzy or have difficulty concentrating. People with this disorder often feel anxious or tense between attacks and worry about when the next attack will occur. They may avoid places or situations they believe caused a panic attack. This can lead to the disorder known as agoraphobia, where you are afraid to be in areas that are open or situations that would be difficult to escape from.
If you know someone suffering from this condition try to help them relax when they are experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to take a deep breath and focus on a relaxing activity, such as making a list of things around them or counting to 10. They can also try the practice of grounding that involves touching something relaxing such as a handkerchief or blanket, or smelling a particular scent, like mint.
If you suspect that you are having a panic disorder, it is best to seek the advice of a medical professional. They will conduct an examination of your body to ensure that there is no medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they may refer you to an expert in mental health like psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also speak with your doctor about any other mental health issues like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you suffer from PTSD, you might experience depression, nightmares, flashbacks and feelings of detachment or feeling disconnected. You might have difficulty sleeping or have difficulty being able to focus on relationships or work. You may even have suicidal thoughts in certain situations. Numerous sources can provide you with information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people find that their symptoms diminish as they get older. Others will have frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People suffering from panic disorders experience frequent unpredictably intense episodes of anxiety. They feel like they are having a heartattack or some other serious medical condition. They fear having more attacks and avoid situations where they might occur. The condition can cause serious issues in everyday life, including relationships and work. The symptoms may also affect sleep. There are two main treatment options: psychotherapy and medications.
Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The person will need to explain their symptoms and how often they occur. The patient will also be asked about their family history and if they suffer from any other mental issues. The doctor may do tests to rule out a physical reason for the symptoms, such as imaging or blood tests. These tests are typically normal.
If a doctor suspects panic disorder and suspects panic disorder, they will ask the patient to explain their symptoms and the time when they occur. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of the psychological condition. The doctor will inquire about other anxiety disorders or mental health conditions the patient has experienced and their impact on the patient. The doctor will want to know the patient's daily routine and stress level.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who is skilled in treating mental illness, can diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medication. Other health professionals who can assist 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 alter unhealthy behaviors and thoughts that trigger panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-based therapy, is one of the most common kinds of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT will teach you new ways to think and behave so that you can overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder may consist of medication either on its own or in combination with psychotherapy. The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition are antidepressants, 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 try several drugs before settling on one that suits them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are two treatments for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you learn to manage your anxiety and decrease the number of panic attacks you experience. Treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and could assist you in avoiding the use of other medication in the future. Some people find a combination of two treatments to be most efficient.
A health care provider may begin by performing an examination of your body to determine if your symptoms are caused by an illness. If not any medical issue, your doctor will probably refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Most people who have a panic attack will get better over time, particularly those who seek treatment. The rate of improvement may differ from person to. Some people have a few months or even years of frequent symptoms, and then a few years of symptom-free. Some people have persistent symptoms that don't completely disappear.
The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of therapy that uses talk to help you overcome negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. You will also learn how to manage stress and develop relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice regularly to benefit from the benefits.
In certain instances your doctor may prescribe an medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a serotonin. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, has endorsed the benzodiazepines clonazepam as well as alprazol for the treatment of panic disorder. In panic anxiety disorder -blind clinical trials tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and clomipramine have been proven to be effective.
The FDA does not regulate herbal products and supplements in the same way as prescription drugs therefore there could be unidentified risks or potentially dangerous interactions with drugs. Your doctor may not recommend them even when some people find these substances useful in managing their symptoms.
It's important to have the support of family and friends, and to take good care of yourself physically. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and sleep enough. Spend time with friends who understand your situation and stay active.
Prevention
If you or someone you know suffers from an anxiety attack or panic attack, you should seek out an expert in healthcare as soon as possible. This includes your doctor or mental health professionals (such as psychologists or psychiatrist) or other health professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of intense anxiety or terror that comes on very quickly and for no apparent reason. They are usually short and last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, but they may linger much longer than that. You may feel breathless or feel like your heart is racing. You might also experience chest pains or feel a sense of impending disaster. You might also experience other physical symptoms, including a pounding heart or a fluttering heart (heart palpitations), or a feeling that you cannot breathe (shortness or breath).
People with panic disorder often spend a lot of time worrying about having a few more attacks or worrying about what they might mean. This can cause people to avoid situations they believe will trigger an attack. This could have a negative effect on their daily lives and hinder them from doing whatever they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, are common in families. A person has 40% chance of developing the condition when one of their relatives in the first degree has it. Certain medical conditions, such as cardiac arrhythmias, asthma and irritable bowel disorder, can also be associated with panic disorder.
You can avoid panic attacks by:
Doing exercises for deep breathing to relax your body. Use anti-anxiety medication, but only under the supervision of your doctor and for a limited time. A psychotherapist can help you learn techniques for managing stress and help you figure out strategies to manage your anxieties. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants which can aggravate anxiety. Sleeping enough to help you stay alert and focused.
If you know someone in your family who has frequent panic attacks, be there for them and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks are not dangerous and will improve through treatment.