Treatment For Anxiety Attacks
A doctor can run tests to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions which may cause anxiety attacks. They can also assist you to develop strategies for managing your symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy and other types of psychotherapy can be effective treatments for anxiety. They may take time to take effect. Benzodiazepines are a great short-term treatment for anxiety that is severe.
Medications
If psychotherapy alone isn't enough, medications may be prescribed for those suffering from anxiety disorders. The medication addresses the root imbalance of chemical that causes the symptoms of an anxiety attack and can help manage the symptoms. Antidepressants, tranquilizers, and sedatives are all anxiety medications. Talk to your doctor to determine the best medication for you.
When deciding on the most effective anxiety treatment for you, your physician will take into account your symptoms and family background. They will also look at your other medical conditions and the medications you are taking. They might recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or the combination of psychotherapy and medications. Other treatments that are employed to combat anxiety include exposure therapy, biofeedback and techniques for managing stress.
SSRIs are the most common antidepressants prescribed to treat anxiety. These medications reduce symptoms by resolving an imbalance in brain neurotransmitters that control mood. These include citalopram fluoxetine and sertraline. Other antidepressants include tricyclic antidepressants that function the same way SSRIs do however they have less negative side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants begin with a small dose and gradually increasing over time. They may interact with certain medications, including birth control pills, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.
Benzodiazepines are fast-acting medications that can be prescribed to treat a severe anxiety attack. They target gamma-aminobutryic acids also known as GABA which is a neurochemical that acts to cause a calming effect. They are generally used to treat panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and fears. Benzodiazepines are only recommended for short-term use since they can become addictive. They also lose their effectiveness when they are used for longer than 4 weeks.
Alprazolam and clonazepam are also medications that can be prescribed when benzodiazepines cannot be used. These medications can be beneficial in treating panic attacks but they're not as efficient as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. These medications can also be addictive, and can disrupt your sleep cycle.
It is essential to be honest with your doctor regarding your symptoms and the way your medication is working for you. Ask for regular follow-ups and let them know how you're managing your symptoms. You can also try telehealth services, such as Doctor On Demand, which is covered by certain Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans. These online services let you consult with a psychologist or psychiatrist using your smartphone or PC.
Cognitive therapy for behavioral problems
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular treatment for anxiety disorders, which includes panic attacks. It is a research-backed and effective treatment that targets both the behaviors and thoughts that contribute to anxiety. The therapist can teach you to recognize your negative thinking patterns, or thinking patterns, and replace them with healthier ones. The therapist can also help you to change your behavior by showing you how to deal with anxiety-related symptoms. These techniques include breathing exercise as well as progressive muscle relaxation and exposure therapy. The therapist might also give you a task to complete between sessions. For instance, you could track your anxiety levels or engaging in something you've avoided because of it.
People suffering from panic disorder typically suffer from avoidance behaviors that are motivated by the fear they will have another panic attack. Avoiding situations that can create anxiety, such as crowds in malls, elevators or highway driving is one way to avoid this. These behaviors of avoidance can have a huge impact on the quality of life. This kind of anxiety could lead to problems like difficulties in concentrating at work or depression, or addiction to drugs.
The reason for panic disorders is believed to be a result of a combination between genetics and environment factors. Stressful life events such as moving into a new house or the death an individual loved one are common triggers. It is also possible that certain genes are associated with a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders.
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to assist you in learning to manage your fears and improve your overall quality of life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, unlike medication, addresses the root causes and helps you develop coping strategies that can help you in the future.
This type of therapy can be difficult to start although it is effective in treating a wide range of anxiety disorders. You will probably have to attend sessions for a couple of weeks before you start to feel better. You might have some setbacks, such as the severity of your symptoms getting worse however this is normal. It is important to persevere and remember that you will reap the benefits of your efforts.
Therapy for exposure
Psychotherapy and medication are two of the many options for treatment for those suffering from anxiety. Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy, helps a person identify unhealthy thoughts and emotions that can cause panic attacks or worsen them. This kind of treatment consists of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method that helps people change negative patterns and build better coping skills. It also helps people learn to overcome their fear of certain situations. It is essential to stick to a treatment program. Regularly attending weekly therapy sessions could make a person feel better after 10 to 20 weeks.
Exposure therapy is a technique in CBT that requires you to repeatedly confront your fears and triggers. The therapist will develop plans to expose you to your fears in a secure and controlled environment. In vivo (real life) exposure is used, where you confront your fears in the real world or in virtual reality, where you face your fear in a virtual setting. In vivo exposure is most effective for specific fears. The therapist gradually exposes you to your fears until it becomes less threatening.
This therapy can be very intense. It may involve flooding, in which you are subjected to a frightening situation for a prolonged duration. It may also involve psychoeducation, cognitive processing and behavioral therapy. It can be used to treat almost all major anxiety disorders including post-traumatic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's also beneficial in treating social anxiety.
It is crucial to find a specialist with exposure therapy experience. It is important to choose a specialist who is registered with an network or association that deals with anxiety disorders. Checking reviews is also a great idea. You could also ask your doctor for the recommendation of a specialist. You can join a support group for people suffering from anxiety. Keeping physically active and using relaxation techniques can also help to reduce anxiety. Avoid drinking, recreational drugs and smoking, which could all cause anxiety or make it worse. Overworking yourself can increase anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are also known as benzos, are potent medication that treat anxiety efficiently. They can be addictive and they have serious side effects when used regularly or for an extended time. This is the reason they are usually only prescribed to treat short-term symptoms of sleeplessness or anxiety.
They function by reducing the nervous system, causing relaxation and sedation. Orally, they can be consumed as sprays, liquids or tablets. They can be injecting directly into the vein. Benzos are utilized to treat generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and insomnia. They are especially helpful for those who suffer from a panic attack, as they can provide immediate and effective symptomatic relief. They can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as an adjunct with other treatments like CBT.
There are a variety of different kinds of benzodiazepines that differ in their potency, duration of action, and the speed at which the body absorbs the drugs. There is a connection between the duration of a benzo's use and its likelihood to be misused. Shorter-acting benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, are often preferred.
When you take benzodiazepines in conjunction with other drugs such as sedatives opioid painkillers or alcohol can increase the risk of negative side effects. These interactions can also increase the effects of the drug and could result in a overdose or even death. Similarly, benzodiazepines can interact with certain herbs or foods. It is essential to inform your physician and pharmacist that you are taking benzos, or intend to take other medicines.
If a person takes benzodiazepines for long-term use the brain becomes dependent on it for functioning normally. This is known as physical dependence, and it can trigger a number of symptoms including withdrawal, tolerance and craving. This type of dependency is distinct from addiction, which is an uncontrollable, addictive need to take substances.
Benzodiazepines are extremely efficient and have no negative effects when employed in the right way. They should only be considered as a treatment option when other options have failed or are not feasible. Non-drug approaches to anxiety management include meditation and cognitive behavioral therapy.