10 Things Everyone Makes Up About Panic Anxiety Disorder

Treatment For Panic Attacks For treatment of panic attacks, the first step is to go to a healthcare provider. The doctor will ask you questions regarding your symptoms and perform an examination. They will determine whether there are any other conditions causing your symptoms. People suffering from panic disorder might feel like their experiences aren't understood fully. People suffering from panic disorder may also feel isolated. Symptoms A panic attack is a sudden, typically short-lived episode of intense anxiety and fear that has no specific cause. Symptoms can include chest pain or discomfort and palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties, feelings of choking, numbness or tingling, sweating and chills, and a sense that you are losing control. You might be unsteady, dizzy or have difficulty concentrating. People with this disorder often feel anxious or tense between attacks and fret about when another attack will occur. They may avoid situations or places they believe trigger a panic attack in the past and this could lead to a condition called agoraphobia. This is where you are afraid of being in open spaces or situations that could be difficult or impossible to escape from. If you know someone suffering from this disorder, try to calm them even when they're experiencing symptoms. Encourage them to breathe deeply and concentrate on a relaxing activity, such as noting things around them, or counting to ten. You can also introduce a technique called grounding, which involves touching something soothing, such as the softness of a handkerchief or blanket or even smelling a certain scent, like mint. It is recommended to see an expert in health care immediately if you are suffering from a panic attack. They will perform an examination of your body to make sure that your symptoms aren't due to a medical condition. If they conclude that there is a medical reason for your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Speak to your doctor if there are any other mental health issues, like depression or PTSD. You might experience depression, nightmares or flashbacks, and a feeling of detachment if you have PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or have difficulty being able to concentrate on relationships or work. You might even experience suicidal feelings in some cases. You can get information and help from many sources including your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people find that their symptoms get better as they get older. Some people will suffer from panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives. Diagnosis People suffering from panic disorder have frequent, unexpected moments of intense fear that make it feel like they're experiencing an attack of the heart or some other serious medical issue. They fear that they'll have more attacks and stay away from situations where they could occur. The condition can cause significant problems in daily life, including relationships and work. The symptoms may also affect sleep. There are two main treatment options available: psychotherapy and medication. The first step to diagnose is talking to the doctor or mental health professional. The patient should describe their symptoms, and the frequency at which they are present. The patient will also be asked about their family history and if they have other mental issues. The doctor might perform tests to rule out physical causes for the symptoms, for example the use of a blood test or imaging. These tests are usually normal. If the doctor suspects the patient has panic disorder, he will ask them to describe the symptoms and the times they occur. The doctor will also conduct a psychological assessment. The doctor will inquire about any other mental health issues the patient has experienced and the effects they have on the patient. The doctor will want to know the patient's daily routine and stress level. A psychiatrist, a medical professional who is specialized in mental illness is able to diagnose panic disorder and prescribe medicine. Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are health professionals who are able to provide 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. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that is backed by research, is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder. CBT provides you with new ways of thinking and acting to overcome your fears. Treatment for panic disorder can include medication alone or in combination psychotherapy. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed drugs for this condition. It may take some time to find the right medicine for you, and it's crucial to talk openly with your physician about how you're experiencing. Many people will try several medications before settling on the one that works for them. Treatment Treatment options for panic disorder include psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) and medications. Talk therapy can help you manage your fears and reduce anxiety attacks. The use of medication can lessen the severity of symptoms and could even help you avoid having to take additional medications in the future. Some people find a combination of the two treatments to be the most efficient. A doctor will likely begin with a physical examination to ensure that there isn't a medical condition that is creating your symptoms. If not an issue, your health care professional will likely refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. The majority of people who suffer from a panic disorder will improve over time, especially those who seek medical treatment. The rate of improvement can vary from person to person. Some people experience a few months of symptoms and then a long period without any symptoms. Some people have persistent symptoms that never completely disappear. The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely begin with cognitive behavioral therapy which is a form 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 practice relaxation techniques. You'll need to practice regularly to reap the benefits. In some cases your doctor may also prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or an serotonin. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for instance, has endorsed the benzodiazepines alprazolam and clonazepam for the treatment of anxiety disorders . In several double-blind clinical trials tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and clomipramine have also been proven to be effective. Herbal products and dietary supplements aren't monitored by the FDA in the same way as medications are, and therefore could have unidentified dangers or interactions with other drugs. Although these supplements may be beneficial to certain people but your doctor might not recommend them. It is important to have the support of your family and friends, and to take care of yourself physically. Consume a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Be active and spend time with friends who are able to understand what you're going through. Prevention If you or someone else you know is having panic attacks It is important to visit a healthcare professional right away. This includes your doctor and mental health professionals (such as psychologists or psychiatrist) or other health professionals such as occupational or physiotherapist. Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of intense anxiety or terror that can occur very quickly and with no apparent reason. They usually last for a short time and last between 5 and 20 minutes, but they may be more prolonged than that. When you experience a panic attack you may feel breathless, as though your heart is racing, and you might have chest pain or a feeling of impending death. You may also experience other physical symptoms, including a pounding heart or racing heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you cannot breathe (shortness or breath). People suffering from panic disorder typically spend much of their time worrying about having more attacks or what they could mean. This can lead them to avoid situations they believe will trigger an attack. This can impact on their lives and hinder them from doing whatever they want to do. Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can run in families. If a first-degree relative has the condition the person has an increased chance of having it. develop it. Some medical conditions, like asthma, cardiac arrhythmias and irritable bowel disorder, can also be associated with panic disorder. panic anxiety disorder of the ways you can do to stop panic attacks include: Practicing deep breathing exercises to ease your body. Use anti-anxiety medication, but only under the supervision by your doctor and for a limited time. Talking to a therapist who can teach you strategies for managing stress and advise you on ways to cope with your fears. Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants which can increase anxiety. A good night's sleep will keep you alert and focused. If you have someone in your family who suffers from frequent panic attacks, be there for them and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks aren't harmful and that they will improve through treatment.