Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to visit an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam. They will also determine whether there are any other conditions that cause your symptoms.
People suffering from panic disorder might feel that their feelings aren't fully understood. They may also feel isolated from others.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, usually short-lived, intense feeling of fear and anxiety that has no specific cause. The symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, palpitations (accelerated heart rate) breathing problems, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, chills and sweating, and the feeling that you are losing control. You might feel unsteady, dizzy and have difficulty concentrating. People who suffer from this disorder tend to experience anxiety or tension between attacks and worry about when the next attack will occur. They might avoid situations or places that they believe caused an earlier panic attack which can cause a condition called agoraphobia, where you become afraid of being in open spaces or situations that would be difficult or impossible to escape from.
If you are a parent or friend of one suffering from this disorder, assist them recognize an attack and try to calm them while the symptoms are occurring. Encourage them to breathe deeply and concentrate on a relaxing task, such as noting things around them, or counting to 10. You can also introduce the practice of grounding, which involves touching a relaxing object, such as a handkerchief or soft blanket or smelling something that resembles mint.
If you suspect that you are having a panic disorder, you must immediately consult a healthcare provider. They will do an examination to make sure there isn't a medical reason for your symptoms. If there is, they will refer you to an expert in mental health, such as psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also speak with your physician about other mental health problems such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have PTSD, you might suffer from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of disconnection or feeling disconnected. You may experience difficulty sleeping and find it hard to focus on your work or relationships. You may even have suicidal feelings in some cases. You can get information and help from many sources, including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people find that their symptoms get better as they get older. Some people will suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorders experience recurrent, unpredictable episodes of intense fear. They feel like they are suffering from a heart attack or a medical condition that is serious. They fear that they'll have more attacks and avoid situations in which they might occur. The condition can cause significant problems in daily life, such as work and relationships. The symptoms can affect sleep. There are two main treatment options available: psychotherapy and medications.
The first step to diagnose is speaking with the doctor or mental health professional. The patient must describe their symptoms and the frequency at which they occur. They should also answer questions about their family history as well as any other mental health problems. The doctor may conduct tests to determine if there is a physical cause for their symptoms, such as blood work or imaging. These tests will usually be normal.
If a doctor suspects that a patient has panic disorder, they will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and when they manifest. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of psychological health. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health issues or anxiety disorders that the patient has experienced and their effects. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress levels and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, a medical professional who is skilled in treating mental illness is able to diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medicine. Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are 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 goal is to change negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger panic attacks. CBT is a kind of psychotherapy backed by research is the most widely used treatment for panic disorder. CBT teaches you new ways of thinking and behavior so that you can overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder may consist of medication either on its own or in combination psychotherapy. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medicines for this condition. It may take some time to find the right medication for you, and it's crucial to talk openly with your doctor about what you're feeling. Many people will test a variety of medications before finding the one that suits them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medications are two of the treatments for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you control your anxiety and reduce panic attacks. Treatment can lessen the severity of symptoms and may even help you avoid having to take other medications in future. Some people are able to determine that the combination of both treatments is best.
A health care provider may begin by performing an examination of your body to determine whether your symptoms are caused by a medical condition. If not then your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health professional, such psychiatrist or psychologist.
The majority of people suffering from panic disorder will improve with time, particularly those who seek medical treatment. However, the rate of improvement varies from person to person. Some people have a few months or years of constant symptoms, but then have many years of symptom-free. Some sufferers have persistent symptoms that never completely disappear.
The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of talk therapy that can help you overcome negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and anxiety. You'll also learn to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. These are skills you'll need to be practicing every day to reap the maximum benefit.
In some cases your doctor may prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or an sedative. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, has endorsed the benzodiazepines clonazepam as well as alprazol for the treatment of anxiety disorders. In several double-blind clinical trials tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and Clomipramine have been proven to be effective.
Herbal supplements and dietary products aren't monitored by the FDA in the same way as medications are, so they might have unknown risks or dangerous interactions with other drugs. Even though these substances could be beneficial to some people however, your physician might not recommend them.
It is important to have the assistance of your family and friends, and to take care of yourself physically. Sleep enough and eat cbt for anxiety disorders balanced diet. Spend time with people who know your situation and remain active.
Prevention
If you or someone you know has an anxiety attack or panic attack, you should seek out a medical professional as quickly as you can. This can include your GP and mental health professionals (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or allied healthcare professionals such as an occupational or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden feeling of terror or intense anxiety that comes on very quickly and without reason. They usually last between 5 and 20 minutes, but may last for much longer. You may feel breathless or feel as if your heart is racing. You may also experience chest pains or a sense of impending disaster. You may also experience other physical symptoms, like a pounding heart or racing heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you cannot breathe (shortness or breath).
People suffering from panic disorders typically spend a great deal of time worrying about whether they'll experience more attacks or what these attacks might mean. This can cause them to avoid situations they fear could cause an attack. This can have a big impact on their lives and stop them from doing the things they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder can be passed down through families. A person is at a 40% chance of developing the condition if one of their relatives in the first degree suffers from it. Certain medical conditions such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias irritable bowel syndrome and some types of medication can also be associated with panic disorder.
You can prevent panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. You can take anti-anxiety medicines, but only under the supervision of your doctor and for a brief period. A psychotherapist can assist you to discover strategies for managing stress and help you figure out ways to handle your anxieties. Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that can increase anxiety. A good night's sleep will allow you to stay alert and focused.
Encourage the family member or a friend who suffers frequently from panic attacks to seek treatment. Remember that these attacks are not hazardous, and they'll improve when you seek treatment.