Treatment For Anxiety Attacks
A doctor might run tests to check for underlying medical conditions that can trigger anxiety attacks. They can also assist you to develop strategies for managing your symptoms.
Treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy as well as other forms of psychotherapy are efficient. However, they take time to work. They are effective short-term treatments for severe anxiety.
Medicines
When psychotherapy alone isn't enough for you, medication can be prescribed to patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The medications treat the underlying imbalance of chemical that causes the symptoms of an anxiety attack and can assist in managing the symptoms. Antidepressants, tranquilizers and sedatives are all anxiety-related medications. Talk to your doctor to determine the most effective medication for you.
Your doctor will look at your symptoms and family background when choosing the appropriate anxiety treatment for you. They will also consider your other health conditions and medications you are taking. They may suggest cognitive behavior therapy or a combination therapy and medication. Other therapies that can be utilized to treat anxiety include exposure therapy, biofeedback and stress management techniques.
The most commonly used antidepressants for anxiety are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These medications work by correcting the imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain that controls mood. These include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants operate similar to SSRIs, but with fewer negative side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants start with a small dose and gradually increasing over time. Certain medications, including birth control pills, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, may interact with tricyclic antidepressants.
Benzodiazepines can be prescribed for severe anxiety attacks. They target gamma-aminobutryic acids also known as GABA which is a neurochemical that acts to cause an calming effect. These drugs are prescribed to treat panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, and phobias. Because they are a source of addiction and can cause withdrawal, benzodiazepines should only be used for a limited duration. They also reduce their effectiveness if used for longer than 4 weeks at each time.
If benzodiazepines aren't a viable option alternative sedatives are prescribed, like alprazolam or Clonazepam. These drugs are effective in treating panic attacks but not as effective as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. These drugs can also be addictive, and can disrupt your sleep cycle.
It is crucial to be open with your physician about your symptoms and how your medication is working for you. Request regular follow-up visits and let them know how you're managing your symptoms. You can also use Telehealth services like Doctor On Demand which is covered by specific Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota policies. These online services let you visit a psychiatrist or psychologist using your smartphone or computer.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a preferred treatment for anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. It is a proven and effective treatment that targets both the thoughts and behaviors that cause anxiety. The therapist will assist you to recognize negative thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. The therapist will also help you to change your behavior by showing you how to deal with anxiety-related symptoms. These techniques include breathing exercise, progressive muscle relaxation and exposure therapy. The therapist may provide you with homework activities to do between sessions, such as tracking your anxiety or participating in an activity you've been avoiding because of it (like speaking to a stranger at a social gathering).
People with panic disorder tend to be inclined to avoidance behavior. This is due to the fear of another panic attack. Avoiding situations that can create anxiety, such as crowded malls, elevators, or highway driving is a way to avoid this. Avoidance behaviors can have a an impact on your overall quality of life. This type of anxiety can cause problems like difficulty concentrating at work, depression, and even addiction problems.
It is believed that panic disorders are caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Stressful life events like moving to a new home or the loss of a loved ones, are often triggers for these disorders. 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 face your fears and improve your overall quality of life. Contrary to medication, which only treats the symptoms of anxiety, cognitive behavior therapy tackles the root cause of the disorder and assists you in developing strategies for coping that can be beneficial in the future.
Although this kind of therapy works for many anxiety disorders however, it can be a challenge at first. It is possible that you will need to go to therapy for several weeks before feeling better. It is normal to experience some setbacks. It is essential to keep going and keep in mind that you will reap the rewards of your efforts.
Exposure therapy
There are many treatments for anxiety attacks, including psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) assists a person to recognize and modify negative thoughts, emotions and actions that cause or worsen panic attacks. This type of treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that helps people modify negative patterns and develop more effective coping strategies. It also teaches people to overcome their fears of certain situations. It is essential to stick to a treatment program. Making it a habit to attend weekly therapy sessions can help a patient feel better in 10-20 weeks.
Exposure therapy is a method in CBT that requires you to repeatedly confront your fears that trigger. The therapist will develop plans to expose you to your fears in a secure and controlled environment. You can choose to use in live exposure (real life) which is where you are exposed to your fears in a real-world setting, or virtual reality, in which you are exposed to your fears in a fully immersive setting. In vivo is best for specific fears. The therapist gradually exposes you to your fear until it becomes less threatening.
This treatment is often intense. It may be characterized by flooding, in which you are exposed to a fear-inducing circumstance for a lengthy period of time. It can also include cognitive processing, psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. It is used in nearly all major anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It's also beneficial for anxiety related to social situations.
It's important to find an expert who is experienced in exposure therapy. Find a doctor who is registered in an association or network that deals with anxiety disorders. It is also a good idea to check for reviews. You can also ask your doctor for the recommendation of an expert. You can also join an organization that helps people with anxiety. Keeping physically active and using relaxation techniques can also aid in reducing anxiety. Avoid alcohol or recreational drugs, and smoking, as they can all cause anxiety or increase it. Stress can also cause anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are also known as benzos, are potent medications which treat anxiety very effectively. However, they can be addictive and cause severe side effects if they are taken regularly or for long periods of time. They are therefore only prescribed to ease severe anxiety or insomnia for a brief period of time.
They work by reducing the nervous system and causing the body to relax. They can be taken orally in the form of tablets, liquids or sprays. They can also be injected into a vein. Benzos are utilized to treat generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder and insomnia. They are particularly effective when a patient is experiencing anxiety attacks that are severe because they can offer quick effective and immediate symptomatic relief. They can be prescribed on their own or as an adjunct to other treatments, like CBT for anxiety.
There are a myriad of types of benzodiazepines. They differ in terms of their potency, duration of action and how quickly the body absorbs the drugs. There is an association between the amount of time a benzo used for and its propensity to be misused, so shorter-acting benzodiazepines (such as alprazolam) are often preferred.
Combining benzodiazepines with other medications like sedatives, alcohol or opioid painkillers can increase the risk of dangerous adverse effects. These interactions can also intensify the effects of the drug and may result in a overdose or even death. Benzodiazepines can also interact with certain foods and herbal products. If you are taking a benzo, it is essential to inform your pharmacist and doctor of any other medicines you are taking or plan to take.
If a person takes benzodiazepines to treat long-term anxiety the brain becomes dependent on it to function normally. This is known as physical dependence and can result in a variety of symptoms, including tolerance, withdrawal and a craving. This type of dependence is distinct from addiction, which involves an uncontrollable, compulsive desire to use the drug.
treatment for generalized anxiety are extremely efficient and have no adverse effects when they are employed in the right way. However, they should only be offered as a treatment option when non-drug approaches have not been successful or are not possible. Cognitive behavioral therapy and mediation are both non-pharmacological methods for anxiety management.