7 Useful Tips For Making The Maximum Use Of Your Panic Anxiety Disorder
Treatment For Panic Attacks
The first step in getting treatment for panic attacks is to visit a healthcare provider. The provider will ask questions about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will check to see if there are any other conditions that cause your symptoms.
People with panic disorder feel their experiences are not understood. People suffering from panic disorder may also feel lonely.
Symptoms
A panic attack is an experience of intense fear or anxiety that occurs suddenly and usually without a reason. The symptoms include chest discomfort or pain and palpitations (accelerated heart rate) and breathing problems or feeling of choking, sweating and chills, and an impression that you're losing control. You may be unsteady or dizzy and you might have trouble concentration. People who suffer from this disorder feel anxious and tense between attacks, and fear that a new attack will happen. They may avoid places or situations they believe provoked a previous panic attack which can result in a condition known as agoraphobia, which is when you become terrified of being in wide spaces or situations that would be difficult or impossible to escape from.
If you know someone who suffers from this condition, try to calm them when they are experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to concentrate on something enjoyable like counting to ten or listing the things around them. They can also try the practice of grounding, which involves touching a relaxing object like a soft blanket or handkerchief or even smelling something similar to mint.
It is recommended to see a health care provider immediately if you suspect you are experiencing a panic attack. They will conduct an examination of your body to make sure there isn't a medical reason for your symptoms. If they conclude that there is a medical explanation for your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental healthcare specialist such as a psychiatrist or psychologist.
It is also advisable to talk with your physician about other mental health issues like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. You may be suffering from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, or a sense of disconnection if you suffer from PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to concentrate on your work or relationships. In some instances, 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 may notice that their symptoms get worse as they get older. Others will have frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives.
Diagnosis
People suffering from panic disorder are prone to recurring, unexpected episodes of intense fear that feel like they're having an attack on their heart or another serious medical issue. They fear having more attacks and avoid situations where they could occur. The condition can cause serious issues which can affect work and relationships. The symptoms can also interfere with sleep. There are two main treatment options available: psychotherapy and medication.
The first step in diagnosing is speaking with a doctor or mental health professional. The person must describe their symptoms, including the frequency they occur. The person will also be asked about their family history and if they suffer from any other mental issues. The doctor may conduct tests to determine if there is a physical cause for their symptoms, for example imaging or blood tests. These tests are generally considered to be normal.
If a doctor suspects that a patient has panic disorder they will ask the patient to describe their symptoms and when they occur. The doctor will also do an evaluation of the psychological state. The doctor will inquire about other anxiety disorder s or mental health conditions the patient has had and their impact on the patient. The doctor will want be aware of the patient's daily routine and stress levels.
A psychiatrist, who is a specialist in mental illness, can diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder. Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are health care providers that can offer treatment.
Psychotherapy (or talk therapy) is a kind of treatment that involves talking with an experienced psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you have. The goal is to change negative habits and thoughts that contribute to panic attacks. CBT is a kind of psychotherapy that is backed by research is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT offers new ways of thinking and behaving so you can overcome your fears.
Medicines can be used on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat panic disorder. The most commonly prescribed medications for this condition include antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and benzodiazepines. Finding the right medication may take some time. It's important to tell your doctor what you feel. Many people will try several drugs before settling on one that works for them.
Treatment
Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you control your fears and reduce anxiety attacks. The use of medication can lessen the severity of your symptoms, and may help you avoid the use of other medication in the future. Some patients prefer a combination of two treatment options to be the most efficient.
A health professional will likely begin by conducting a physical exam to ensure that there isn't a medical condition that is causing your symptoms. If not then your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist, such as psychiatrists or psychologists.
Most people who have a panic attack will get better over time, especially those who seek treatment. But the rate of improvement varies from person to person. Some people have a few months or years of constant symptoms, then many years without symptoms. Others have persistent, recurrent symptoms that never disappear completely.
Your treatment plan will probably begin with cognitive behavioral therapy, which is a type of talk therapy that can help you overcome negative thoughts that trigger your anxiety and panic. You will also learn to manage stress, and practice relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice regularly to benefit from the benefits.
In some cases your doctor may also prescribe medication. This may be an antidepressant, like fluoxetine (Prozac) or an sedative. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for instance, has endorsed the benzodiazepines clonazepam as well as alprazol for the treatment of anxiety disorders . In several double-blind clinical trials tricyclic antidepressants, such as imipramine and clomipramine have been proven to be effective.
The FDA does not monitor herbal products and dietary supplement in the same way as medications therefore there could be unknown risks or risky drug interactions. Your doctor may not recommend them, even though certain people find them useful in managing their symptoms.
It is crucial to have your family and friends support you and to take care of your health. Eat a healthy diet and sleep enough. Spend time with friends that are able to understand your situation and stay active.
The following is a list with preventions.
If you or someone you know is suffering from an attack of panic it is important to see an expert in healthcare as soon as you can. This could be your GP, a mental health professional (such as psychiatrists or psychologist) or an allied health professional, such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.
A panic attack is a sudden, intense sensation of fear or anxiety. It can occur suddenly and without apparent cause. They usually last between 5 and 20 minutes, but can last for a longer time. You may feel breathless or feel as if your heart is racing. You may also experience chest pains or a feeling of imminent danger. You may also experience other physical symptoms, such as a pounding heart or fluttering 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 about whether they'll have more attacks or what these attacks might mean. This can cause people to avoid situations they fear will cause an attack. This could have a negative impact on their lives and hinder them from doing what they would like to do.
Anxiety disorders like panic disorder can run through families. A person is at a 40% chance of developing the condition if one of their first-degree relatives has it. Certain medical conditions, like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias and irritable bowel disorder are also associated with panic disorder.
A few of the ways you can do to help stop panic attacks include:
Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. taking anti-anxiety medication but only for a limited amount of time and always under doctor's supervision. Talking to a psychotherapist who can help you learn stress-management techniques and work with you on ways to cope with your fears. Avoiding sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that can aggravate anxiety. Sleeping enough will help you to stay alert and focused.
If you have a family member or friend who has frequent panic attacks, support them and encourage them to seek treatment. Remember that the attacks aren't dangerous and will improve by seeking treatment.