A Step-By-Step Guide To Panic Anxiety Disorder From Beginning To End

Treatment For Panic Attacks The first step to receive treatment for panic attacks is to see an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination. They will make sure no other issues are causing them. People with panic disorder may feel that their feelings aren't understood fully. They may be lonely from other people. Symptoms A panic attack is a moment of extreme anxiety or fear that happens suddenly and often without a specific cause. The symptoms include chest discomfort as well as breathing problems, palpitations or feeling like you're choked and numbness, tingling or chills, numbness, sweating and a feeling that you're losing control. You might be unsteady, dizzy or struggle to concentrate. People suffering from this disorder frequently feel anxious or tense between attacks and fret about when another will strike. They may avoid situations or places that they believe trigger a panic attack in the past and this could lead to a condition called agoraphobia, which is when you become afraid of being in open spaces or situations that could be difficult or impossible to escape from. If you know someone who suffers from this disorder, try to calm them while they are experiencing the symptoms. Encourage them to concentrate on a pleasant task such as counting to ten or naming things around them. You can also introduce the technique of grounding that involves putting their hands on a soothing object like a soft blanket or handkerchief, or smelling something like mint. You should see a health care provider immediately if you suspect you are experiencing an anxiety attack. They will perform a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms are not caused by a medical issue. If there is, they can refer you to a mental health professional for help, such as psychologist or psychiatrist. Speak to your doctor if you suffer from any other mental health problems, such as depression or PTSD. If you suffer from PTSD, you might be suffering from depression, nightmares flashbacks and feelings of separation or disconnection. You may have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to focus on work or relationships. In some cases, you might even have suicidal thoughts. You can get information and support from many sources including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people might find that their symptoms get worse as they get older. Others may experience frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives. Diagnosis People suffering from panic disorder have frequent, unexpected episodes of intense fear that feel like they're having an attack of the heart or some other serious medical problem. They fear having more attacks and are hesitant to engage in situations that could trigger them. The condition can cause serious issues, including in relationships and at work. The symptoms may also interfere with sleep. Psychotherapy and medication are the two main treatment options. Talking to an expert in mental health or a doctor is the first step. The patient must explain their symptoms and the frequency at which they happen. The person will also be asked about their family history, and if they have any other mental issues. The doctor may perform tests to rule out physical reasons for the symptoms, such an imaging test or blood test. These tests are typically normal. If the doctor suspects panic disorder, they will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and the time they occur. The doctor will also conduct a psychological evaluation. The doctor will ask about any other mental health issues the patient has had and their effects on the patient. The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress levels and daily routine. A psychiatrist, who is an expert in the field of mental illness is able to diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Other health care providers who can aid in treatment include psychologists and therapists, nurses and social workers. Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a form of treatment that involves talking with an accredited psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and emotions you experience. The goal is to change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a research-supported therapy, is among the most commonly used types of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT will teach you new ways of thinking and behavior to overcome your fear. The medications can be used by themselves or in combination with psychotherapy to treat anxiety disorders . Antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed drugs for this condition. Finding the right medicine can take a while. It is important to tell your doctor about any symptoms you are experiencing. Many people test several medications before they find the one that is right for them. Treatment Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medication. Talk therapy can help you control your anxiety and decrease anxiety attacks. The use of medication can lessen the intensity of your symptoms and may help you avoid the use of other medications in the future. Some people prefer a combination of the two treatments to be most effective. A health professional will begin by conducting an examination to determine if your symptoms are caused by a medical issue. If not an issue, your health care professional will likely refer you to a mental health professional for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist. Most people who suffer from panic disorder will get better over time, especially those who seek medical treatment. But the rate of improvement differs from person to person. Some sufferers have months or even years of frequent symptoms, and then a few years without symptoms. Others have persistent, recurrent symptoms that never disappear completely. Your treatment plan will probably start with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form of therapy for talking that can help you change the negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. You'll also learn how to manage stress and develop relaxation techniques. These are abilities you'll need to be practicing every day to reap the most benefit. In some cases your doctor may also prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant like fluoxetine (Prozac) or an serotonin. The benzodiazepines alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin), for example, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat anxiety disorders. In several double-blind trials tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and clomipramine have also been proven to be effective. Herbal products and dietary supplements aren't subject to the supervision of the FDA in the same way as medications are, and therefore could have unidentified risks or potentially dangerous interactions with other drugs. Your physician may not recommend them, even when some people find these substances beneficial in managing their symptoms. It is important to have family and friends support you and to take care of your health. Sleep enough and eat a balanced diet. Be active and spend time with friends who understand the struggles you're experiencing. The following is a list of preventatives. If you or someone you know suffers from a panic attack, you should see a healthcare professional as soon as you can. This could include your doctor, psychiatrist or psychologist (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or an allied health professional like an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of terror or intense anxiety that can occur very quickly and for no apparent reason. They typically last between 5 and 20 minutes but may last for much longer. During a panic attack, you might feel breathless and feel like your heart is racing and you might have chest pain or a sense of imminent danger. There could be other physical symptoms such as a pounding, fluttering or tingling heart (heart palpitations) or a sensation that you're unable to breathe (shortness of breath). People suffering from panic disorders typically spend a significant amount of time worrying that they'll have more attacks or what these attacks might mean. This can cause them to avoid situations that they fear might trigger an attack. This could have a huge impact on daily life and stop them from doing the things they would like to do. Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, can run in families. If a first-degree relative has the condition, a person has an opportunity of 40% to develop it. Certain medical conditions like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias IBS, and certain kinds of medications can be linked with panic disorder. You can avoid panic attacks by: Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. You can take anti-anxiety medicines, but only under the supervision of your physician and for a brief period. Psychotherapists can help you discover strategies for managing stress and work on ways to deal with your anxieties. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that could cause anxiety. Sleeping enough will help you to stay alert and focused. If you know a family member or friend who suffers from frequent panic attacks, be there for them and encourage them to seek treatment. Keep in mind that panic attacks are not dangerous and will improve with treatment.