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Treatment For Panic Attacks
To get treatment for panic attacks the first step is to go to an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and do an examination. They will determine if other issues are causing them.
People with panic disorder feel that their experiences are not understood. They might be lonely from other people.
Signs and symptoms
A panic attack is a sudden, typically brief, and short-lived bout of intense fear and anxiety that is not ascribed to a specific cause. The symptoms include chest pain, palpitations, breathing difficulties and feelings of choking, numbness, tingling or numbness, sweating and chills and a feeling that you're losing your control. You may feel dizzy or unsteady, and you may have difficulty concentrating. People suffering from this disorder frequently feel anxious or tense during attacks and worry about when another attack will occur. They might avoid places or situations they believe caused an panic attack. This can result in a disorder called agoraphobia where you are scared to be in open spaces or situations which are difficult to get out from.
If you are a parent or friend of one with this disorder, assist them to recognize an attack and work to calm them while the symptoms are happening. Encourage them to take a deep breath and focus on a relaxing task, such as naming things around them or counting to ten. You can also introduce the technique of grounding, that involves touching something relaxing like the softness of a handkerchief or blanket or even smelling a certain scent, such as mint.
You should consult a doctor right away if you think you have panic attacks. They will conduct an examination to confirm that your symptoms aren't caused by a medical issue. If they conclude that there is a medical reason for your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
It is also advisable to talk with your doctor about any other mental health problems, such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. If you have PTSD you may suffer from depression, nightmares, flashbacks and feelings of separation or disconnect. You may have trouble sleeping and find it hard to concentrate on your work or relationships. In some instances you may even experience suicidal thoughts. Numerous sources can provide you with information and assistance, including your GP or Kids Helpline. Some people may notice that their symptoms improve as they age. Some people will suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People with panic disorder have frequent or sudden moments of intense fear that make them feel like they're suffering from an attack of the heart or some other serious medical problem. They fear that they'll have more attacks and stay away from situations where they could occur. The condition can cause serious problems, including in work and relationships. The symptoms can also affect sleep. Psychotherapy and medication are the two most common treatment options.
Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The patient should describe their symptoms, and the frequency at which they happen. The person will also be asked about their family history, and if they have other mental issues. The doctor may perform tests to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, for example the use of a blood test or imaging. These tests are typically normal.
If the doctor suspects that the patient is suffering from panic disorder, he will request the patient to describe their symptoms and the times they occur. The doctor will also conduct an assessment of psychological health. The doctor will also ask about any other mental health issues or anxiety disorder physical symptoms disorders the patient has suffered from and their effects. The doctor will also want to know about the patient's current stress levels and daily routine.
A psychiatrist, who is a specialist in mental illness can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Other health professionals who can help with 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 modify negative thoughts and behaviors that trigger panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a scientifically-supported therapy, is one of the most popular kinds of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT provides you with new ways to think and behave to overcome your fear.
Treatment for panic disorder may consist of medication on its own or in combination psychotherapy. Antidepressants, anti anxiety disorders test drugs and benzodiazepines are among the most frequently prescribed medications for this disorder. Finding the right medicine can take a while. It is essential to inform your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Many people test multiple medications before settling on the one that works for them.
Treatment
Psychotherapy (also called talk therapy) and medications are two of the treatment options for panic disorder. Talk therapy helps you learn to control your fears and reduce the number of panic attacks you have. Treatment can lessen the intensity of symptoms and even help you avoid having to take other medications in future. Some people discover that a combination of both treatments works best.
A doctor will likely begin with a physical examination to make sure there isn't a medical condition that is causing your symptoms. If there isn't, your health care provider will probably refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
The majority of people suffering from panic disorder will get better with time, particularly when they seek medical attention. But the speed of improvement differs from person to person. Some sufferers experience a few months of symptoms, and then for a long time, they do not experience any symptoms. Others have persistent, recurrent symptoms that do not disappear completely.
The treatment plan for you will likely begin with cognitive behavior therapy that is a kind of therapy that uses talk to help you change the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. You'll also learn how to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice daily to reap the benefits.
In some instances, your doctor might prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or a serotonin. The benzodiazepines, alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), for example were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating Panic Anxiety Disorder disorder. Additionally tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown to be effective in a number of double-blind studies.
The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements and dietary supplements in the same way as medications therefore there could be unknown risks or dangerous interactions with drugs. Your physician may not recommend them even when certain people find them helpful in controlling their symptoms.
It's crucial to have the support of family and friends, and to take physical care of yourself. Sleep enough and eat a healthy, balanced diet. Keep active and spend time with friends who know the struggles you're experiencing.
Prevention
If you or someone you know is experiencing a panic attack It is important to visit an emergency medical professional immediately. This could include your doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist (such as psychiatrists or psychologist) or an allied healthcare professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
A panic attack is an intense, sudden feeling of terror or anxiety. It can occur in a flash and without any apparent cause. They typically last between 5 and 20 minutes but can last much longer. During a panic attack, you may feel breathless, as though your heart is racing and you may experience chest pain or feelings of impending death. You might also have other physical symptoms such as the feeling of a pounding, fluttering or tingling heart (heart palpitations) or a sensation that you're unable to breathe (shortness of breath).
People with panic disorders often spend a lot of time worrying about whether they'll have more attacks, or what these attacks might be referring to. This can cause them to avoid situations they believe will trigger an attack. This can have a significant impact on their daily lives and hinder them from doing the things they want to do.
Anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder can be passed down in families. A person is at 40% chance of developing the condition if one of their first-degree relatives has it. Certain medical conditions such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias IBS, and certain kinds of medications can be associated with panic disorder.
You can prevent panic attacks by:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. You can take anti-chronic anxiety disorder medicines, but only under the supervision by your doctor and for a brief period. Psychotherapists can help you learn stress management techniques and assist you in finding ways to handle your anxiety. Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that could cause anxiety. Sleeping enough to help you stay alert and focused.
If you have someone in your family who suffers from frequent panic attacks, be supportive and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that these attacks are not hazardous, and they'll improve by seeking treatment.