Imagine you are at work. Suddenly, you start sweating profusely and feel your heart beating in your chest. Your throat feels tight and you have trouble breathing. You are having an anxiety attack, also known as a panic attack. According to the Mayo Clinic, an anxiety attack is an intense and sudden fear accompanied by physical symptoms. In fact, you may think you are dying or having a heart attack. There are specific steps to treat anxiety attack symptoms.
Step 1
Go to your family doctor to obtain a prescription for an SSRI, SNRI, TCA, benzodiazepine or MAOI. According to the Mayo Clinic, a SSRI is an antidepressant that serves as the first line of treatment for anxiety attack symptoms. A SNRI and TCA are also antidepressants that decrease anxiety attacks. Benzodiazepines are addictive mild sedatives that treat anxiety attacks and MAOIs are antidepressants that require you to follow a strict diet. Discuss with your doctor which medication is best suited for your anxiety attack symptoms.
Step 2
Obtain psychotherapy treatment. This is a form of counseling that allows you to understand your anxiety attack symptoms. The Family Doctor Organization states that many types of psychotherapy treatment exist. But cognitive behavioral therapy is the recommended form of talk therapy for anxiety attacks. Here, you will learn to change your negative ways of thinking. According to the Mayo Clinic, your psychotherapist may recreate your panic attack symptoms in his presence. This will allow you to analyze your behavior and gain a sense of control when the symptoms appear again.
Step 3
Find a support group. Ask your doctor to recommend a support group for people who suffer from anxiety attack symptoms. This will allow you to talk and form friendships with people who suffer from the same anxiety symptoms as you.
Step 4
Do not drink alcohol or caffeine as this may trigger your anxiety attack symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 5
Exercise for at lesat 30 minutes daily. Your brain will release natural chemicals in your brain called endorphins that make you feel calm and better.
Step 6
Meditate and do yoga. Meditation consists of focusing on one action in your body like breathing. Yoga combines meditation with slow and deliberate movements.
Things You'll Need
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
- Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA)
- Benzodiazepines
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
