Treatment For Panic Attacks
For treatment for panic attacks, the first step is to visit a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will make sure no other medical conditions are causing the symptoms.
People suffering from panic disorder might feel that their feelings are not fully understood. They might also feel isolated from others.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, usually short-lived episode of intense anxiety and fear that has no specific cause. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort, palpitations (accelerated heart rate) and breathing problems and feelings of choking. sweating and chills, as well as the feeling that you are losing control. You may feel unsteady, dizzy and struggle to concentrate. People with this disorder feel anxious and tense between attacks, and are worried that a new attack will happen. They might avoid places or situations they believe triggered a panic attack. This could lead to an anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia. you are afraid to be in open spaces or in situations that are difficult to get out from.
If you know someone suffering from this condition try to help them relax even when they're experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to concentrate on a pleasant task, such as counting to ten or listing the objects around them. They can also try the practice of grounding, which involves touching a relaxing object like a handkerchief or soft blanket or smelling something that resembles mint.
It is recommended to see an expert in health care right away if you think you are experiencing an anxiety attack. They will do an examination of your body to make sure there is no medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they can refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also speak with your doctor about any other mental health issues, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. You may suffer from depression, nightmares or flashbacks, and a feeling of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You may experience sleeplessness or find it difficult to concentrate on work or relationships. In some cases you may have suicidal thoughts. Many resources can provide information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people might find that their symptoms get worse as they get older. Certain people experience panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected moments of intense fear that make it feel like they're experiencing a heart attack or other serious medical problem. They worry about having more attacks and avoid situations in which they might occur. The condition can cause serious issues in everyday life, such as relationships and work. The symptoms can also interfere with 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 person will need to describe their symptoms and how often they occur. The person will also be asked about their family history and if they have other mental problems. The doctor might conduct tests to determine physical causes for the symptoms, for example an imaging test or blood test. These tests are typically normal.
If a doctor suspects panic disorder, they will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and when they occur. The doctor will also do an evaluation of the psychological state. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health conditions or anxiety disorder s the patient has experienced and their effects. The doctor will want to be aware of the patient's daily routine and stress level.
A psychiatrist, who is a specialist in mental illness can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Psychologists, therapists and social workers are health professionals who are able to provide treatment.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a kind of treatment that involves speaking with an experienced psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing. The goal is to change negative habits and thoughts that contribute to panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported therapy, is among the most popular kinds of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT provides new ways of thinking and acting so you can overcome your fears.
Medications can be used alone or in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat panic disorder. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed drugs for this condition. It can take time to find the right medicine for you and it's essential to talk openly with your doctor about what you're experiencing. Many people will try several medicines before they find the one that suits them.
Treatment
Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. The use of medication can lessen the severity of your symptoms and could help you avoid the need for other drugs in the future. Some people are able to determine that a combination of both treatments is best.
A health care provider will likely start by conducting a physical exam to make sure there isn't any medical issue the cause of your symptoms. If there isn't then your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist, such as psychiatrists or psychologists.
The majority of people suffering from panic disorder will improve with time, particularly if they seek medical treatment. The rate of improvement could vary from person to. Some people have a few months or years of constant symptoms, and then a few years without symptoms. Others have persistent, recurrent symptoms that don't go away completely.
The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely start with cognitive behavioral therapy that is a kind of therapy that uses talk to assist you in changing the negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and panic. You'll also learn how to manage stress and practice relaxation techniques. These are skills that you must regularly practice to reap the maximum benefits.
In certain instances, your doctor may prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant like fluoxetine (Prozac), or an tranquilizer. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, has endorsed the benzodiazepines clonazepam as well as alprazol to treat panic disorder. Additionally, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and Clomipramine (Anafranil) have been proven to be effective in a number of double-blind studies.
Herbal products and supplements aren't subject to the supervision of the FDA in the same way as medications are, and therefore may have unknown risks or potentially dangerous interactions with other medications. Your doctor may not recommend them, even when some people find them beneficial in managing their symptoms.
It's important to have the support of your family and friends, as well as to take good physical care of yourself. Consume a balanced diet and get enough rest. Spend time with friends who know your situation and remain active.
Prevention
If you or someone you know has an attack of panic, you should see a medical professional as quickly as you can. This could include your doctor, mental health professionals (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or other health professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist.
A panic attack is a sudden, intense sensation of fear or anxiety. It can occur in a flash and without any apparent cause. They usually last between 5 and 20 minutes but may last for much longer. In a panic attack, you may feel breathless like your heart is racing, and you may feel chest pain or a feeling of impending danger. There could be other physical symptoms such as the feeling of a pounding, fluttering or the sensation of a tingling in your heart (heart palpitations) or a sensation that you're unable to breathe (shortness of breath).
People suffering from panic disorders usually spend a lot of time worrying that they'll have more attacks or what the attacks could be referring to. This can cause them to avoid situations they fear will cause an attack. This can have a big impact on daily life and prevent them from doing the things they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder can be passed down in families. A person has about a 40% chance of developing the condition when one of their first-degree relatives has it. Certain medical conditions, such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, IBS and other types of medication can also be associated with panic disorder.
You can prevent panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Taking anti-anxiety medicines however, only for a limited amount of time and always under your doctor's supervision. A psychotherapist can assist you to discover strategies for managing stress and help you figure out ways to deal with your anxiety. Avoiding sugar, caffeine and other stimulants that may increase anxiety. Getting enough sleep to ensure you remain alert and focused.
If you have a family member or friend who has frequent panic attacks, support them and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks aren't harmful and will improve with treatment.