Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to see a medical professional. disorders anxiety will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will check to see whether there are any other medical conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
People suffering from panic disorder feel that their experiences are not being understood. People suffering from panic disorder might feel lonely.
Symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, typically short-lived, intense feeling of anxiety and fear that has no specific cause. The symptoms can include chest discomfort or pain or palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, sweating and chills, as well as the feeling that you are losing control. You might feel unsteady, dizzy and find it difficult to concentrate. People suffering from this disorder frequently feel anxious or tense between attacks and worry about when another will strike. They might avoid places or situations they believe caused an panic attack. This can lead to an anxiety disorder known as agoraphobia. you fear being in open spaces or situations which would be difficult to escape from.
If you know a loved one with this condition, help them to recognize an attack and work to calm them down while the symptoms occur. Encourage them to concentrate on a pleasant task such as counting to ten or listing the things around them. They can also try a technique called grounding, that involves touching something relaxing like the softness of a handkerchief or blanket or even smelling a certain scent, like mint.
If you suspect that you are having a panic disorder, you must immediately seek out a medical professional. They will do a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a medical reason for your symptoms. If they determine that there is a medical explanation for your symptoms, they'll refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
You should also talk with your physician about other mental health issues such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you suffer from PTSD you may experience depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of disconnection or feeling disconnected. You might have difficulty sleeping or have difficulty being able to concentrate on your work or relationships. You may also experience suicidal thoughts in certain situations. Numerous sources can offer information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people notice that their symptoms diminish as they age. Others will have frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorders experience recurrent and unpredictable episodes of intense fear. They feel like they are having a heartattack or another serious medical condition. They fear that they'll have more attacks and stay away from situations where they might occur. The condition can cause serious problems such as at work and relationships. The symptoms can also interfere with sleep. The two main treatment options are medication and psychotherapy. two main treatment options.
The first step to diagnose is talking to a doctor or mental health professional. The patient should describe their symptoms, including the frequency they happen. They will also need to answer questions regarding their family history and other mental health problems. The doctor can run tests to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, such the use of a blood test or imaging. These tests are typically normal.
If the doctor suspects the patient has panic disorder, he will ask them to describe the symptoms and when they manifest. The doctor will also perform a psychological assessment. The doctor will also inquire about any other mental health conditions or anxiety disorders that the patient has suffered from and their effects. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress level and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, an expert in the field of mental illness can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Other health care providers who can aid in treatment include psychologists and therapists, nurses, and social workers.
Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a treatment that involves discussing your thoughts and feelings with a psychologist or counselor. The aim is to alter negative habits and thoughts that contribute to panic attacks. CBT is a form of psychotherapy backed by research is the most widely used treatment for panic disorder. CBT will teach you new ways of thinking and acting so that you can overcome your fears.
Treatment for panic disorder could include medication alone 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 a while. It's important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Many people will test a variety of medications before finding the one that suits them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy) and medication are two of the treatments for panic disorder. Talk therapy can help you manage your anxiety and reduce anxiety attacks. Medication can reduce the severity of your symptoms, and could assist you in avoiding the use of other medications in the future. Some people prefer a combination of two treatments to be the most effective.
A doctor might begin by conducting an examination to determine whether your symptoms are caused by a medical condition. If there isn't then your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist, such as psychiatrist or psychologist.
The majority of people suffering from panic disorder will get better with time, particularly if they seek medical treatment. The rate of improvement may differ from person to. Some sufferers experience a few months or years of frequent symptoms, then many symptom-free years. Some sufferers have persistent symptoms that never completely go away.
The treatment plan you choose to follow is likely to begin with cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy for talking can help you change negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and panic. You'll also learn to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. These are skills that you must regularly practice to reap the most benefits.
In some instances your doctor might prescribe medication. This may be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a tranquilizer. The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), for example were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat panic disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown 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 that medicines are, therefore they could have unidentified risks or dangerous interactions with other drugs. Although these supplements could be beneficial to some people however, your physician might not recommend them.
It is important to have the support of your family and friends, and to take physical care of yourself. Get enough sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Spend time with friends who are able to understand your situation and stay active.
Prevention
If you or someone you know has an attack of panic it is important to see an expert in healthcare as soon as possible. This could include your doctor or a mental health professional (such as psychiatrists or psychologist) or an allied health professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
Panic attacks are a sudden sense of intense fear or anxiety that can occur very quickly and for no apparent reason. They tend to be brief and last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, but they may last longer than that. In a panic attack, you might feel breathless and feel like your heart is racing and you might have chest pain or a feeling of imminent death. There are other physical symptoms, including 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 that they'll have more attacks, or what these attacks could be referring to. This can lead to avoiding situations that might cause an attack. This could have a huge impact on their lives and prevent them from doing the things they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder can run in families. If a parent or sibling has the condition there is a 40% chance to develop it. Certain medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, IBS, and certain types of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
You can avoid panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Take anti-anxiety medications however, only under the supervision of your physician and for a brief period. A psychotherapist can assist you to learn stress management techniques and help you figure out ways to deal with your fears. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants which can aggravate anxiety. A good night's sleep will allow you to stay alert and focused.
If you know a family member or friend who suffers from frequent panic attacks, support them and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks aren't harmful and will improve with treatment.