Treatment For Panic Attacks To get treatment for panic attacks the first step is to see an experienced healthcare professional The provider will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, and perform a physical examination They will determine whether there are any other conditions that cause your symptoms People suffering from panic disorder may feel that their experiences are not fully understood They may be lonely from other people Symptoms A panic attack is an episode of intense anxiety or fear that can occur suddenly and without a reason The symptoms include chest pain or discomfort and palpitations accelerated heart rate breathing problems and feelings of choking sweating and chills, as well as a sense that you are losing control You may be unsteady, dizzy or struggle to concentrate People with this disorder feel anxious and tense in between attacks, and worry that another attack could occur They might avoid situations or places that they believe trigger a panic attack in the past and this could cause a condition called agoraphobia, which is when you become scared of being in open spaces or situations that could be difficult or impossible to get away from If you know a loved one who suffers from this disorder, help them recognize an attack and try to calm them down when the symptoms are occurring Encourage them to breathe deeply and focus on a pleasant task, such as naming things around them or counting to 10 They can also try the technique of grounding that involves touching a soothing object such as a handkerchief or soft blanket, or smelling something like mint If you suspect that you may be suffering from a panic disorder, it is best to consult a healthcare provider They will conduct a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms are not due to a medical condition If they find that there is a medical explanation for your symptoms, they will refer you to a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist Consult your doctor if you suffer from any other mental health issues, like depression or PTSD You might be suffering from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, or a sense of detachment if you have PTSD You might have difficulty sleeping and may find it difficult to focus on your job or relationships You might even experience suicidal feelings in some cases Numerous sources can provide information and support, including your GP or Kids Helpline Some people may notice that their symptoms improve as they get older Certain people experience panic attacks that are frequent and intense throughout their lives Diagnosis People with panic disorders experience recurrent and unpredictable episodes of intense anxiety They feel as if they are having a heartattack or another serious medical condition They fear that they'll have more attacks and are hesitant to engage in situations that could trigger the symptoms The condition can cause major issues in everyday life, including work and relationships The symptoms may affect sleep The two main treatment options are medication and psychotherapy two most common treatment options The first step in diagnosing is to talk to a doctor or mental health professional The person must describe their symptoms, as well as how often they occur They should also answer questions about 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 their symptoms, for example imaging or blood tests These tests are usually normal If the doctor suspects the patient suffers from panic disorder, he'll request the patient to describe their symptoms and the times they occur The doctor will also perform an assessment of psychological health The doctor will inquire about any other mental health issues the patient has suffered from and the effects they have on the patient The doctor will also inquire about the patient's current stress levels and daily routine A psychiatrist, an expert in the field of mental illness is able to diagnose and prescribe medication for panic disorder Psychologists, therapists, and social workers are also health professionals who can provide treatment Psychotherapy or talk therapy is a form of treatment that involves speaking with an accredited psychologist or counselor about the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing The goal is to change unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks CBT, a type of psychotherapy that is supported by research is the most commonly used treatment for panic disorder CBT provides you with new ways of thinking and acting so that you can overcome your fear Medicines can be used on their own or in conjunction with psychotherapy to treat https//wwwiampsychiatrycom/anxiety-disorders The most frequently prescribed medicines for this condition are antidepressants, anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines Finding the right medication can take some time It is essential to inform your doctor what you feel Many people try a variety of medications before finding the one that suits 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 panic attacks Treatment can reduce the severity of symptoms and may even help you avoid having to take additional medications in the future Some people prefer a combination of two treatment options to be the most efficient A health care provider will probably begin by conducting a physical exam to make sure there isn't a medical condition that is creating your symptoms If there isn't any medical issue, your doctor will likely refer you to an expert in mental health, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist The majority of people who suffer from panic disorder will improve over time, especially if they seek medical treatment The rate of improvement may vary from person to Some sufferers experience a few months of symptoms followed by an extended period of time without symptoms Some people have persistent symptoms that do not completely go away The treatment plan you choose to follow will likely start with cognitive behavioral therapy that is a kind of therapy for talking that can assist you in changing the negative thoughts that cause your anxiety and panic You will also learn how to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques These are skills you'll need to be practicing every day to reap the maximum benefits In some cases your doctor may prescribe medication This may be an antidepressant like fluoxetine Prozac or a tranquilizer The benzodiazepines, alprazolam Xanax and clonazepam Klonopin, for example have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA for treating panic disorder In several double-blind clinical trials tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine and clomipramine have also been shown to be effective Herbal products and supplements aren't subject to the supervision of the FDA the same way that medicines are, therefore they might have unknown risks or dangerous interactions with other drugs Although these products can be helpful to some people however, your physician may not recommend them It's important to have the assistance of your family and friends, as well as to take care of yourself physically Get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet Stay active, and spend time with your friends who understand what you're going through Prevention If you or someone else you know is suffering from an anxiety attack it is crucial to see an emergency medical professional immediately This includes your doctor and mental health professionals such as a psychologist or psychiatrist or other health professionals such as an occupational or physiotherapist Panic attacks are a sudden sensation of terror or intense anxiety that can occur very quickly and with no apparent reason They typically last between 5 and 20 minutes but can last much longer You may feel breathless or feel as if your heart is racing You might also experience chest pains or feel a sense of imminent disaster You may also experience other physical symptoms such as the feeling of a pounding, fluttering or tingling heart heart palpitations or a feeling that you're unable to breathe shortness of breath People suffering from panic disorder typically spend lots of time worrying about having a few more attacks or about what they could mean This can cause them to avoid situations that they fear might trigger an attack This could have a huge impact on their lives and stop them from doing the things they want to do Anxiety disorders, like panic disorder, can run through families A person has about a 40 chance of developing the disorder if one of their relatives in the first degree has it Some medical conditions, such as asthma, cardiac arrhythmias and irritable bowel disorder, can also be associated with panic disorder You can prevent panic attacks by Practicing deep breathing exercises to relax your body Take anti-anxiety medications, but only under the supervision by your doctor and for a brief period A psychotherapist can assist you to learn techniques for managing stress and work on strategies to manage your anxiety Avoiding caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants which can aggravate anxiety A good night's sleep will help you 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 Remember that panic attacks aren't hazardous, and they'll improve if you seek treatment