Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to see a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam. They will determine if other conditions are causing them.
People suffering from panic disorder feel that their experiences are not being understood. People suffering from panic disorder may feel lonely.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, typically short-lived episode of intense fear and anxiety that has no specific cause. Symptoms include chest discomfort and palpitations, breathing problems or feeling like you're choked, numbness, tingling or chills, sweating, and numbness and the feeling that you're losing control. You may feel dizzy, unsteady and find it difficult to concentrate. People who suffer from this disorder feel anxious and tense between attacks, and are worried that another attack could occur. They may avoid situations or places that they believe caused a panic attack. This can lead to a disorder called agoraphobia where you are afraid to be in open spaces or situations which could be difficult to get away from.
If you know someone who suffers from this disorder try to help them relax when they are experiencing symptoms. Help them focus on a relaxing task such as counting to ten or naming objects around them. You can also introduce the practice of grounding, which involves touching a soothing object like a handkerchief or soft blanket, or smelling something like mint.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from a panic disorder, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They will do an examination of your body to make sure there isn't a medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they may refer you to an expert in mental health like a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Speak to your doctor if you have any other mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. You might be suffering from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, as well as a feeling of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to focus on work or relationships. In some instances you may even experience suicidal thoughts. Many resources can provide information and support, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people may notice that their symptoms are worse as they age. Some people suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People suffering from panic disorders have frequent and unpredictable episodes of intense anxiety. They feel as if they are having a heartattack or a medical condition that is serious. They fear that they'll have more attacks and avoid situations in which they could occur. The condition can cause serious issues such as at work and relationships. The symptoms can also affect sleep. Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatment options.
The first step in diagnosing is speaking with a doctor or mental health professional. The patient should describe their symptoms, and the frequency they occur. The person will also be asked about their family history, and if they have any other mental problems. The doctor may run tests to rule out physical causes of the symptoms, for example a blood test or imaging. These tests are generally considered to be normal.
If a doctor suspects panic disorder they will ask the patient to identify their symptoms and when they manifest. The doctor will also conduct a psychological evaluation. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health issues or anxiety disorders that the patient has had and their effects. The doctor will also want to know about the patient's current stress levels and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, a medical doctor who specializes in mental illness is able to diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medication. Psychologists, therapists and social workers are health professionals who are able to provide treatment.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a type of treatment that involves speaking with an accredited psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you have. The aim is to alter negative behavior and thoughts that lead to panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-based therapy, is one of the most common kinds of psychotherapy that is used to treat panic disorder. CBT teaches new ways of thinking and acting to help you overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder could consist of medication on its own or in combination with psychotherapy. The most common medicines prescribed for this condition are antidepressants, anxiety medications, and benzodiazepines. Finding the right medication may take some time. It is essential to inform your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Many people will try multiple medications before finding the right one for them.
Treatment
Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy helps you learn to manage your anxiety and reduce the number of panic attacks you experience. The use of medication can lessen the severity of your symptoms, and may aid in avoiding the need for other medications in the future. Some patients are able to combine two treatment options to be the most efficient.
A doctor may begin by performing an examination to determine whether your symptoms are caused by an illness. If not, your health care provider will probably refer you to a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Most people who have a panic attack will get better over time, particularly when they seek treatment. But the rate of improvement varies from individual to person. Some sufferers have several months of symptoms, and then a long period without any symptoms. Some sufferers have persistent symptoms that don't completely disappear.
Your treatment plan will probably begin with cognitive behavioral therapy that is a kind of therapy that uses talk to help you overcome negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and panic. You will also learn how to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. These are skills that you must practice daily to get the maximum benefits.
In certain instances your doctor may prescribe a medication. It could be an antidepressant like fluoxetine (Prozac) or a sedative. The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), for example have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat panic disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) have been proven effective in several double-blind studies.
Herbal products and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the FDA in the same way that medications are, and therefore might have unknown risks or potentially dangerous interactions with other medications. Your doctor might not recommend them, even although some people find them helpful in controlling their symptoms.
It's crucial to have the assistance of your family and friends, and to take care of yourself physically. Sleep enough and eat a healthy diet. Stay active, and spend time with friends who understand the struggles you're experiencing.
Prevention
If you or someone else you know is having panic attacks, it's important to see an expert in healthcare right away. 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 terror or intense anxiety that comes on very quickly and for no apparent reason. They usually last between 5 to 20 minutes, but can last much longer. You might feel shaky or feel like your heart is racing. You may also experience chest pains or a feeling of impending disaster. There are other physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or a fast-paced heart (heart palpitations), or an uneasy feeling that you can't breathe (shortness or breath).
People with panic disorders often spend a significant amount of time worrying that they will have more attacks or what these attacks could be referring to. This can cause people to avoid situations that they fear could cause an attack. This could have a negative impact on their daily lives and prevent them from doing what they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, can run in families. If a family member with the first degree has the condition the person has a 40% chance to develop it. Certain medical conditions, such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias IBS and other types of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
A few of the ways you can do to prevent panic attacks include:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Taking anti-anxiety medicines, but only for a short period of time and always under your doctor's supervision. Talking to a therapist who can guide you through stress-management techniques and work with you on ways to deal with your anxieties. Avoiding sugar, caffeine and other stimulants that can cause anxiety. Getting enough sleep to keep you alert and focused.
If you have someone in your family who suffers from frequent panic attacks, be supportive and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks aren't harmful and that they will improve by seeking treatment.