Treatment For Anxiety Attacks
A doctor may run tests to identify an underlying medical condition that could cause anxiety attacks. They can also teach you how to manage your anxiety.
Treatments for anxiety like cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of psychotherapy are effective. They can take some time to work. Benzodiazepines are effective short-term medications for severe anxiety.
Medicines
If psychotherapy isn't enough, medication may be prescribed to patients suffering from anxiety disorders. The medications can help manage anxiety attacks by addressing the chemical imbalance that causes them. Anxiety medication includes antidepressants, benzodiazepines and sedatives. Consult your physician to determine the best medication for you.
Your doctor will take into consideration your symptoms and your family history when choosing the right anxiety treatment for you. They will also look at your other medical conditions and the medications you are taking. They may recommend cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of psychotherapy with medications. Biofeedback, exposure therapy and stress management techniques are all other treatments that can be utilized to treat anxiety.
The most commonly used antidepressants for anxiety are SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These medications work by correcting an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain that regulates mood. These include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. Tricyclic antidepressants operate in the same way as SSRIs, but have fewer side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants should begin with a small dosage and gradually increasing as time passes. Certain medications, including birth control pills, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen can interact with tricyclic antidepressants.
Benzodiazepines can be prescribed for severe anxiety attacks. They focus on GABA (gamma-aminobutryic) in the brain, which causes an calming effect. These drugs are prescribed to treat panic disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, and fears. Because they can be addictive and can cause withdrawal, benzodiazepines should only be used for a brief period of time. They also lose their effectiveness if taken for more than 4 weeks at a time.
If benzodiazepines don't work alternative sedatives are prescribed, like alprazolam or Clonazepam. These medications are effective in treating panic attacks but not as effective as SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants. They are also addictive and may disrupt your sleep cycle.
It is important to openly communicate with your doctor regarding your symptoms and how the medication is working for you. Let them know of any other strategies you're trying to manage your symptoms and request regular follow-ups. You can also make use of Telehealth services like Doctor On Demand which is covered by certain Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota policies. These online services allow you to consult with psychologists or psychiatrists using your smartphone or computer.
Cognitive therapy for behavior
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular treatment for anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks. It is a scientifically proven and effective treatment that targets both the thoughts and actions that contribute to anxiety. The therapist will assist you to identify negative cognitions or thinking patterns and replace them with healthier ones. The therapist will also help you improve your behavior by instructing you on how to deal with anxiety symptoms. These techniques include breathing exercises as well as progressive muscle relaxation and exposure therapy. The therapist can also provide you with homework assignments to do between sessions, like recording your anxiety or engaging in a task that you've avoided because of it (like talking to a stranger at a gathering).
People suffering from panic disorder are usually inclined to avoidance behavior. This is because they fear another panic attack. This may be avoided in situations that are likely to trigger anxiety, like the crowded malls elevators, highway driving or walking by themselves. These behaviors of avoidance can have a significant impact on your life quality. This kind of anxiety can result in issues such as difficulty in concentrating at work or depression, or substance abuse.
It is believed that panic disorders are caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Life events that stress us like moving to a new home or the death of a loved one are typical triggers for these disorders. Some genes may also increase the risk of developing anxiety disorders.
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to teach you how to overcome your fears and improve your quality of life. In contrast to medications, which only treats the symptoms of anxiety, cognitive behavioral therapy tackles the root cause of anxiety and helps you develop coping mechanisms that will help in the future.
While this type of therapy can be effective for a variety of anxiety disorders however, it can be a challenge initially. It is possible that you will need to attend therapy sessions for a few weeks before feeling better. You might have some setbacks, like an increase in your symptoms however this is normal. The key is to remain with it and remember that your efforts will pay off.
Exposure therapy
There are a variety of options for treating anxiety attacks, including psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, aids people identify negative thoughts and emotions that can trigger anxiety attacks or cause them to worsen. This type of treatment involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that helps people change negative patterns and build more effective coping skills. It helps people overcome their fears in certain situations. It is important to adhere to an established treatment program. Regularly attending weekly therapy sessions can help a person feel much better in 10 to 20 weeks.
CBT employs exposure therapy to help you face your fears repeatedly. The therapist will develop an approach that exposes you to your fears within a controlled and safe environment. In live (real life) exposure is used where you face your fears in the real world, or in virtual reality, where you confront your fears in a virtual setting. In vivo is ideal for phobias that are specific to you. The therapy therapist will gradually expose your fear to you until it is less severe.
This therapy can be intense. It could be characterized by flooding, in which you are subjected to a frightening situation for a prolonged period of time. It could also involve cognitive processing, psychoeducation and behavioral therapy. It is used in nearly all of the major anxiety disorders, including obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. It also works for anxiety related to social situations.
It is important to locate a specialist who is familiar with exposure therapy. Find a doctor who is registered in a national network or association that treats anxiety disorders. Reviewing reviews is a great idea. You can also ask for the recommendation of your doctor to a specialist. You can even join a support group for people suffering from anxiety. You can lessen anxiety by being physically active and by using relaxation techniques. Avoid drinking, recreational drugs and smoking, which can all trigger or worsen anxiety. It's also important not to overload yourself, as this may increase anxiety.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are also known as benzos, are powerful drugs that treat anxiety efficiently. They can be addictive, and have serious side effects when used regularly or for a long duration. This is why they are typically prescribed for short-term relief of extreme anxiety or insomnia.
They function by reducing the nervous system, causing relaxation and sedation. Orally, they can be taken as liquids, sprays or tablets. They can be injecting directly into the vein. how anxiety is treated can be used to treat insomnia, panic disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. They are especially helpful for those who suffer from anxiety attacks, since they can provide immediate and effective relief from symptoms. They can be used on their own or as an addition to other treatments, like CBT for anxiety.
There are a variety of different kinds of benzodiazepines, which differ in their effectiveness, duration of action and the speed at which the body absorbs the drugs. There is a correlation between the duration of a benzo's usage and the possibility of being misused. The benzodiazepines that have a shorter duration of action, such as alprazolam are usually preferred.
Combining benzodiazepines with other medications such as sedatives alcohol, or opioid painkillers could increase the risk of negative adverse side effects. These interactions can also increase the effects of the drug and could cause an overdose or death. Benzodiazepines also interact with certain food items and herbal remedies. If you are taking a benzo, then it is essential to inform your physician and pharmacist of any other medications you are taking or plan to take.
When a person takes benzodiazepines for a long time their brain is dependent on them to function normally. This is known as physical dependence and it can cause a number of symptoms including withdrawal, tolerance, and craving. This kind of dependency is different from addiction that is characterized by an uncontrollable and a compulsive need to take the drugs.
When used correctly, benzodiazepines can be very effective and cause few side effects. They should only be considered as a treatment option when other alternatives have failed or are not feasible. Non-drug methods of anxiety management include meditation and cognitive behavior therapy.