What Is Panic Anxiety Disorder And Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Treatment For Panic Attacks The first step to get treatment for panic attacks is to see an experienced healthcare professional. The doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will also determine if there are any other conditions causing your symptoms. People suffering from panic disorder feel their experiences aren't understood. People suffering from panic disorder might feel lonely. Symptoms A panic attack is a sudden, often short-lived, intense feeling of fear and anxiety that is not ascribed to a specific cause. The symptoms can include chest discomfort or pain, palpitations (accelerated heart rate), breathing difficulties and feelings of choking. numbness or tingling, chills and sweating, and the feeling that you are losing control. You might feel unsteady or dizzy, and you may experience difficulty concentrating. People suffering from this disorder are anxious and tense between attacks, and fear that a new attack will happen. They may avoid situations or places they believe caused an earlier panic attack, and this can 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 escape from. If you know a loved one with this condition, help them to recognize an attack and work to calm them while the symptoms are occurring. Encourage them to focus on something enjoyable like counting to ten or naming the things around them. They can also try the technique of grounding that involves putting their hands on a soothing object, such as a soft blanket or handkerchief or even smelling something similar to mint. If you suspect that you have a panic disorder, it is best to consult a healthcare provider. They will perform a physical examination to ensure that your symptoms aren't due to a medical condition. If they determine that there is a medical reason for your symptoms, they'll refer you to a mental healthcare professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any other mental health problems, such as depression or PTSD. You may be suffering from depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and a feeling of detachment if you have PTSD. You may have trouble sleeping or find it difficult to focus on relationships or work. In some instances you may have suicidal thoughts. You can find information and help from many sources such as your GP, Kids Helpline, Mensline Australia or Lifeline. Some people notice that their symptoms get better as they age. Others may experience frequent and intense panic attacks throughout their lives. Diagnosis People suffering from panic disorders have frequent, unpredictable episodes of intense fear. They feel like they are suffering from a heart attack or a medical condition that is serious. They fear that they'll have more attacks and avoid situations in which they may occur. The condition can cause serious issues which can affect relationships and at work. The symptoms may affect sleep. There are two main treatment options: psychotherapy and medications. Talking to a mental health professional or doctor is the first step. The person must describe their symptoms, and the frequency at which they happen. They should also answer questions regarding their family history and other mental health problems. The doctor might conduct tests to determine physical reasons for the symptoms, such an imaging test or blood test. These tests are generally considered to be normal. If the doctor suspects that the patient has panic disorder, he will ask the patient to describe the symptoms and the time they occur. The doctor will also do a psychological evaluation. The doctor will also ask about any other mental health issues or anxiety disorders the patient has had and the effects they have had. The doctor will want 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 medications. Psychologists, therapists and social workers are also health care providers that can offer treatment. Talk therapy (or psychotherapy) is a treatment that involves discussing your thoughts and feelings with a counselor or psychologist. The aim is to alter negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to panic attacks. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a research-based therapy, is one of the most common kinds of psychotherapy used to treat panic disorder. CBT provides new ways of thinking and behavior to help you overcome your fears. Medicines can be used on their own or in combination with psychotherapy to treat panic disorder. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and benzodiazepines are the most commonly prescribed medicines for this disorder. Finding the right medication can take a while. It is important to tell your doctor what you feel. Many people will try several medicines before they find the one that suits 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. Medication can reduce the severity of your symptoms and could aid in avoiding the need for other drugs in the future. Some people discover that using a combination of both treatments works best. A health professional might begin by conducting an examination of your body to determine whether your symptoms are caused by a medical condition. If not any medical issue, your doctor will likely refer you to an expert in mental health, for example, psychiatrist or psychologist. The majority of people who suffer from panic attacks will get better over time, especially those who seek treatment. The rate of improvement could vary from person to person. Some sufferers experience a few months or years of frequent symptoms, but then have many years without symptoms. Some suffer from persistent symptoms that don't completely disappear. The treatment plan you choose to follow is likely to start with cognitive behavioral therapy. This kind of therapy for talking can help you overcome negative thoughts that can cause anxiety and panic. You'll also learn to manage stress and learn relaxation techniques. These are abilities you'll need to practice daily to get the maximum benefit. In certain instances, your doctor might prescribe medication. It could be an antidepressant like fluoxetine (Prozac) or an tranquilizer. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for instance, has approved the benzodiazepines alprazolam and clonazepam to treat anxiety disorder s. In addition, tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine (Tofranil) and clomipramine (Anafranil) have been shown to be effective in a number of double-blind studies. Herbal supplements and dietary products aren't regulated by the FDA the same way that medications are, so they might have unknown dangers or interactions with other medications. Although these supplements could be beneficial to some people, your health care provider might not recommend them. It is important to have your family and friends support you and to take care of your health. Make sure you eat a healthy diet and sleep enough. Be active and spend time with your friends who understand what you're going through. The following is a list of preventions. If you or someone you know is having an anxiety attack It is important to visit an emergency medical professional immediately. This may include your GP or psychiatrist or psychologist (such as a psychiatrist or psychologist) or an allied health professional such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. Panic attacks are a sudden feeling of intense anxiety or terror that can occur very quickly and without reason. They are usually short and last between 5 and 20 minutes, but they may linger much longer than that. You may feel exhausted or as if your heart is racing. You may also experience chest pains or a feeling of imminent disaster. There could be other physical symptoms, such as an agitated, fluttering, or the sensation of a tingling in your heart (heart palpitations) or a feeling that you're unable to breathe (shortness of breath). People suffering from panic disorders usually spend a significant amount of time worrying that they will have more attacks or what the attacks might be referring to. This can lead them to avoid situations they fear could trigger an attack. This can have a big impact on their lives and hinder them from doing the things they want to do. Anxiety disorders such as panic disorder can run through families. A person has about a 40% chance of developing the condition if one of their relatives in the first degree has it. Certain medical conditions like cardiac arrhythmias, asthma, IBS and other types of medication can also be linked with panic disorder. A few of the ways you can do to to prevent panic attacks are: Deep breathing exercises can help you relax. You can take anti-anxiety medications but only for a limited amount of time and under your doctor's supervision. A psychotherapist can assist you to learn stress management techniques and assist you in finding ways to handle your fears. Avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants that can increase anxiety. A good night's sleep will ensure you remain alert and focused. If you know a friend or family member who suffers from frequent panic attacks, be supportive and encourage them to seek treatment. Be aware that these attacks aren't harmful and will improve by seeking treatment.