Treatment For Panic Attacks
To get treatment for panic attacks, the first step is to visit an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask questions regarding your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. They will determine if other issues are causing them.
People suffering from panic disorder feel that their experiences are not understood. People with panic disorder may also feel lonely.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is an episode of intense fear or anxiety that happens suddenly and often without a reason. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort and palpitations (accelerated heart rate) breathing problems, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, chills and sweating, and an impression that you're losing control. You might be unsteady, dizzy or have difficulty concentrating. People suffering from this disorder frequently experience anxiety or tension between attacks and fret about when another attack will occur. They might avoid situations or places that they believe triggered a panic attack. This can lead to a disorder called agoraphobia where you are scared to be in open spaces or in situations that are difficult to get out from.
If you have a loved one suffering from this disorder, help them to recognize an attack and work to calm them down when the symptoms are happening. Help them focus on a pleasant task, such as counting to ten or listing the things around them. You can also introduce the technique of grounding, which involves touching something soothing such as a soft blanket or handkerchief or smelling a specific scent, like mint.
If you suspect you may be suffering from a panic disorder, you must immediately consult a healthcare provider. They will do a physical exam to ensure there is no medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they will refer you to a mental health professional for help, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also talk with your doctor about any other mental health problems such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. You may experience depression, nightmares or flashbacks, or a sense of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or have difficulty being able to focus on work or relationships. You might even experience suicidal thoughts in certain situations. Many resources can provide advice and support, such as your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people might find that their symptoms get worse as they get older. Some people suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense 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 a medical condition that is serious. They are afraid of having more attacks and are hesitant to engage in situations that may trigger them. The condition can cause major problems in daily life, such as relationships and work. The symptoms may also interfere with sleep. Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatment options.
Talking to a mental health professional or doctor is the first step. The patient must explain their symptoms, including the frequency they occur. The patient will also be asked about their family history, and if they have any other mental issues. The doctor might run tests to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such the use of a blood test or imaging. These tests are typically normal.
If a doctor suspects the patient has panic disorder, he will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and the time they occur. The doctor will also perform a psychological assessment. The doctor will inquire about other anxiety disorders or mental health conditions the patient has experienced and the effects they have on the patient. The doctor will want to understand the patient's routine and stress levels.
A psychiatrist, who is a medical specialist in mental illness can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Other health professionals who can aid in treatment include psychologists and therapists, nurses, and social workers.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a treatment that involves talking about your feelings and thoughts with a psychologist or counselor. The aim is to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger panic attacks. CBT, a type of psychotherapy backed by research, is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT provides new ways of thinking and behaving so you can overcome your anxiety.
The medications can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy to treat panic disorder. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and benzodiazepines are the three most commonly prescribed medicines for this disorder. It can take time to find the right medication for you and it's essential to be honest with your doctor about what you are experiencing. Many people will try several medications before finding the one that is effective for them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medication are two of the treatments for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you control your fears and reduce anxiety attacks. Treatment can help reduce the intensity of your symptoms and can assist you in avoiding the use of other drugs in the future. Some people find that a combination of both treatments works best.
A doctor will likely begin with a physical exam to determine if there's an illness that is creating your symptoms. If not, your health provider will likely refer you to a mental healthcare professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The majority of people who suffer from a panic disorder will improve over time, especially those who seek medical treatment. But the rate of improvement differs from person to person. Some sufferers experience some months of symptoms and then an extended period of time without symptoms. Some suffer from persistent symptoms that never completely go away.
The treatment plan for you will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy for talking that can help you overcome negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. You'll also learn how to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. These are skills you'll need to regularly practice to reap the maximum benefit.
In some cases your doctor might 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 as well as alprazol for treating anxiety disorders. In several double-blind trials, tricyclic antidepressants like 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, so there may be unidentified risks or potentially dangerous drug interactions. Your physician may not recommend them, even although some people find these substances beneficial in managing their symptoms.
It's important to have the assistance of your family and friends, and to take care of yourself physically. Eat a healthy diet and get enough rest. Keep active and spend time with friends who know what you're going through.
Prevention
If you or someone you know has a panic attack or panic attack, you should seek out an expert in healthcare as soon as possible. This could include your doctor or psychiatrist or psychologist (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or an allied healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
disorders anxiety are a sudden sense of intense fear or anxiety that comes on very quickly and with no apparent reason. They tend to be brief and last about 5 to 20 minutes, but they may linger much longer than that. During a panic attack, you may feel breathless like your heart is racing and you may feel chest pain or a feeling of impending doom. You might also have other physical symptoms such as a pounding, fluttering or the sensation of a tingling in your heart (heart palpitations) or a sensation that you can't breathe (shortness of breath).
People with panic disorder usually spend a lot of time worrying about having more attacks or about what they might mean. This can lead them to avoid situations that might trigger an attack. This can have an impact on their lives and hinder them from doing what they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, can run in families. If a family member with the first degree suffers from the disorder, a person has a 40% chance to develop it. Certain medical conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, IBS, and certain types of medications can be linked with panic disorder.
A few of the ways you can do to help stop panic attacks include:
Doing exercises for deep breathing to calm your body. You can take anti-anxiety medications, but only for a limited amount of time and under your doctor's supervision. Talking to a therapist who can guide you through strategies for managing stress and guide you on ways to deal with your fears. Avoiding sugar, caffeine and other stimulants that could cause anxiety. Sleeping enough to ensure you remain alert and focused.
If you have a family member or friend who suffers from frequent panic attacks, support them and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks aren't dangerous and that they will improve with treatment.