Treatment For Panic Attacks

The first step to get treatment for panic attacks is to see an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and conduct a physical examination. They will determine if other issues are causing them.

People suffering from panic disorder may feel that their feelings aren't understood. People suffering from panic disorder may feel lonely.

Symptoms

A panic attack is a sudden, often short-lived episode of intense fear and anxiety that has no specific cause. The symptoms include chest discomfort or pain, palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties or feeling of choking, sweating and chills, and a sense that you are losing control. You may be unsteady, dizzy or find it difficult to concentrate. People with this disorder feel anxious and tense in between attacks, and are worried that another attack will occur. They might avoid situations or places they believe trigger a panic attack in the past, and this can result in a condition known as agoraphobia, where you become scared of being in open areas or situations that might be difficult or impossible to escape from.

If you know someone suffering from this disorder, try to calm them while they are experiencing the symptoms. Encourage them to take a deep breath and focus on a relaxing activity, like making a list of things around them or counting to 10. They can also try the practice of grounding which involves rubbing something calming like a soft blanket or handkerchief or smelling a specific scent, such as mint.

It is recommended to see an expert in health care immediately if you are experiencing an anxiety attack. They will conduct an examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't due to a medical condition. If they determine that there is a medical explanation for your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Speak to your doctor if there are any other mental health issues, such as depression or PTSD. You may experience depression, nightmares or flashbacks, or a sense of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You might have difficulty sleeping or find it difficult to concentrate on work or relationships. In some instances you may have suicidal thoughts. You can get information and help from many sources including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people notice that their symptoms improve as they get older. Others may experience frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.

Diagnosis

People with panic disorder experience recurrent, unexpected moments of intense fear that make them feel like they're suffering from an attack of the heart or some other serious medical issue. They worry about having more attacks and avoid situations in which they might occur. The condition can cause serious problems which can affect work and relationships. The symptoms may also interfere with sleep. There are two main treatment options: psychotherapy and medication.

Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The person must describe their symptoms, including the frequency at which they are present. They should also answer questions regarding their family history as well as any other mental health issues. The doctor may conduct tests to determine if there is a physical cause for the symptoms, such as imaging or blood tests. These tests are usually normal.

If a doctor suspects that a patient has panic disorder and suspects panic disorder, they will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and the time they occur. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of the psychological condition. The doctor will inquire about any other mental health issues that the patient has suffered from and the effects they have on the patient. The doctor will want to be aware of the patient's daily routine and stress level.

A psychiatrist, a medical professional who is skilled in treating mental illness is able to diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medication. Psychologists, therapists and social workers are also health professionals who can offer treatment.

Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a form of treatment that involves talking with an accredited psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you experience. The aim is to alter unhealthy behaviors and thoughts that cause panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported therapy, is one of the most popular types of psychotherapy used to treat generalized anxiety disorder panic disorder. CBT provides you with new ways of thinking and behavior to help you overcome your fears.

Treatment for panic disorder could consist of medication on its own or in combination with psychotherapy. The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs for generalized anxiety disorder, and benzodiazepines. Finding the right medicine can take a while. It is important to tell your doctor what you feel. Many people will try multiple medications before settling on the one that works for them.

Treatment

Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy helps you learn to manage your anxiety and decrease the number of panic attacks that you experience. Treatment can lessen the severity of symptoms and could even prevent you from needing to take additional medications in the future. Some people find that a combination of both treatments works best.

A health professional will likely begin with a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a medical condition that is creating your symptoms. If there isn't an issue, your health care professional will likely refer you to a mental health professional for example, psychiatrist or psychologist.

The majority of people who suffer from panic disorder will improve over time, particularly if they seek medical treatment. The rate of improvement may differ from person to. Some people have a few months or even years of frequent symptoms, and then a few years of symptom-free. Some sufferers have persistent symptoms that don't completely disappear.

Your treatment plan will likely start with cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy will help you change negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and anxiety. You will also learn how to reduce anxiety disorder to manage stress and develop relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice daily to get the benefits.

In some instances, your doctor may also prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a tranquilizer. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) for instance, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating 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 dietary supplements aren't regulated by the FDA in the same way that medications are, and therefore might have unknown dangers or interactions with other medications. Your physician may not recommend them even though certain people find them useful in managing their symptoms.

It is crucial to have friends and family help you and take care of your health. Get enough sleep and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Spend time with friends who understand your situation and stay active.

Prevention

If you or someone you know is having a panic attack it is crucial to see a healthcare professional right away. This could include your doctor or mental health professionals (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) or other healthcare professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist.

panic anxiety disorder attacks are a sudden sense of terror or intense anxiety that can occur very quickly and with no apparent reason. They typically last between 5 to 20 minutes, but can last much longer. You might feel shaky or feel like your heart is racing. There may be chest pains or feel a sense of imminent danger. You may also experience other physical symptoms, such as the feeling of a pounding, fluttering or an aching heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you aren't breathing (shortness of breath).

People suffering from panic disorder typically spend much of their time worrying about recurring attacks or worrying about what they might mean. This can lead them to avoid situations that could trigger an attack. This could have a negative impact on their daily lives and stop them from doing what they would like to.

Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can run through families. A person has 40% of developing the disorder if one of their relatives in the first degree has it. Certain medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, IBS and other different types of anxiety disorders of medication can also be linked with panic disorder.

You can help prevent panic attacks by:

Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. Take anti-anxiety medications, but only under the supervision by your doctor and for a short period of time. Psychotherapists can help you discover strategies for managing stress and help you figure out ways to handle your anxieties. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that could aggravate anxiety disorders symptoms. Sleeping enough will help you remain alert and focused.

Encourage your family member or friend who suffers from frequent panic attacks to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks are not dangerous and will get better through treatment.