Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to visit a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will determine whether there are any other conditions causing your symptoms.
People with panic disorder feel that their experiences are not being understood. They may be lonely from other people.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is an episode of intense fear or anxiety that happens suddenly and often without a specific cause. The symptoms include chest discomfort or pain, palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties or feeling of choking, numbness or tingling, chills and sweating, and a sense that you are losing control. You might be unsteady or dizzy and you may experience difficulty concentrating. People with this disorder often experience anxiety or tension between attacks and worry about when the next will strike. They might avoid situations or places they believe trigger a panic attack in the past and this could result in a condition known as agoraphobia. This is where you are terrified of being in wide spaces or situations that could be difficult or impossible to get away from.
If you know someone suffering from this condition try to help them relax even when they're experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to breathe deeply and focus on a pleasant activity, like making a list of things around them or counting to ten. They can also try the technique of grounding that 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 consult a healthcare provider. They will conduct an examination of your body to make sure that your symptoms aren't due to a medical condition. If they determine that there is a medical cause for your symptoms, they will 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. You may be suffering from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, or a sense of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to focus on relationships or work. In some instances, you might even have suicidal thoughts. You can find information and assistance from a variety of sources including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people find that their symptoms improve as they get older. Others will have frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected episodes of intense fear that make them feel like they're suffering from an attack on their heart or another serious medical issue. They fear having more attacks and avoid situations where they might occur. The condition can cause serious problems such as at work and relationships. The symptoms can also disrupt sleep. There are two main treatment options: psychotherapy and medication.
Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The patient should describe their symptoms, including how often they happen. The patient will also be asked about their family history, and if they have any other mental problems. The doctor might run tests to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, such a blood test or imaging. These tests are usually normal.
If a doctor suspects the patient is suffering from panic disorder, he will request the patient to describe their symptoms and when they manifest. mixed anxiety and depressive disorder will also conduct a psychological evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health conditions or anxiety disorders that the patient has suffered from and their effects. The doctor will want to know the patient's daily routine and stress level.
A psychiatrist, a medical specialist in mental illness is able to diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are also health professionals who can offer treatment.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a treatment that involves talking about your feelings and thoughts with a psychologist or counselor. The aim is to modify negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger panic attacks. CBT is a form of psychotherapy backed by research is the most widely used treatment for panic disorder. CBT provides new ways of thinking and acting so you can overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder can 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 can take time to determine the best medication for you, and it's crucial to be open with your physician about how you're experiencing. Many people try a variety of drugs before settling on one that is effective for them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medications are two treatments for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you manage your fears and reduce panic attacks. Medication can help reduce the intensity of symptoms and even prevent you from needing to take additional medications in the future. Some people discover that the combination of both treatments works best.
A doctor will likely start with a physical exam to ensure that there isn't any medical issue the cause of your symptoms. If not any medical issue, your doctor will likely refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The majority of people who suffer from a panic disorder will improve over time, especially if they seek medical treatment. The rate of improvement could vary from person to. Some sufferers have some months of symptoms followed by a long period without any symptoms. Others suffer from persistent, recurring symptoms that don't go away completely.
Your treatment plan will probably begin with cognitive behavioral therapy that is a kind of therapy that uses talk to help you change the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and anxiety. You will also learn to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice regularly to reap the benefits.
In some cases your doctor may prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a serotonin. The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), for example were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating anxiety disorders. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown efficient in numerous double-blind studies.
Herbal products and dietary supplements aren't regulated by the FDA in the same way as medicines are, therefore they might have unknown risks or potentially dangerous interactions with other drugs. Although these supplements may be beneficial to certain people however, your physician might not recommend them.
It is important to have the support of your family and friends, as well as to take good health care of yourself physically. Sleep enough and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Be active and spend time with your friends who know what you're going through.
Prevention
If you or someone you know suffers from an attack of panic it is important to see an expert in healthcare as soon as you can. This can include your GP or mental health professionals (such as psychologists or psychiatrist) or allied healthcare professionals like occupational or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of terror or intense anxiety that can occur very quickly and with no apparent reason. They are usually short and last between 5 and 20 minutes, but they can linger much longer than that. In a panic attack, you may feel breathless, as though your heart is racing, and you may feel chest pain or a feeling of imminent danger. There are other physical symptoms, including a pounding heart or a racing heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you cannot breathe (shortness or breath).
People with panic disorder usually spend lots of time worrying about having a few more attacks or worrying about what they could mean. This can lead to avoiding situations that they fear might trigger an attack. This can have a significant impact on their daily lives and prevent them from doing what they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, can be passed down through families. If a first-degree relative has the condition there is an opportunity of 40% to develop it. Certain medical conditions like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias irritable bowel syndrome and some kinds of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
You can prevent panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. You can take anti-anxiety medications but only for a brief period of time and under your doctor's supervision. Talking to a psychotherapist who can guide you through strategies for managing stress and advise you on ways to deal with your fears. Avoiding sugar, caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety. A good night's sleep will allow you to stay alert and focused.
If you have a family member or friend who has frequent panic attacks, be supportive and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks aren't harmful and that they will improve by seeking treatment.