Several types of medications are used to help relieve symptoms, depending on the type of anxiety disorder you have and whether you also have other mental or physical health issues. For example:.
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. While most people with anxiety disorders need psychotherapy or medications to get anxiety under control, lifestyle changes also can make a difference. Here's what you can do:. Several herbal remedies have been studied as a treatment for anxiety, but more research is needed to understand the risks and benefits.
You can't always be certain of what you're getting and whether it's safe. Some of these supplements can interfere with prescription medications or cause dangerous interactions. Before taking herbal remedies or dietary supplements, talk to your doctor to make sure they're safe for you and won't interact with any medications you take. You may start by seeing your primary care provider. He or she may refer you to a mental health professional.
Anxiety disorders care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis You may start by seeing your primary care provider to find out if your anxiety could be related to your physical health. You may need to keep taking medicines if your panic disorder is severe.
Your doctor can help weigh the risks of treatment against the risk of harm to your pregnancy. Medicines to treat panic disorder often may prevent another panic attack. But they may not take away the fear of having another attack.
Counseling can help you handle this fear. The fear of having an attack may actually bring on another attack. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing certain thinking and behavior patterns. It has been proved effective for treating panic disorder. Support groups are often good places to share information, problem-solving tips, and emotions related to panic disorder. Self-help materials can help you learn to cope with panic disorder or anxiety.
These include instructional videos, books, and audio materials. Body-centered relaxation exercises can be useful for reducing anxiety and treating symptoms of stress.
They include:. Mindfulness activities are techniques that help relax the mind. They are often combined with body-centered relaxation exercises. These techniques include:. Current as of: September 23, Maldonado PhD - Behavioral Health. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: Anne C. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Top of the page. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder. Topic Overview What are panic attacks and panic disorder? More women than men get panic attacks. What causes panic attacks and panic disorder? Panic attacks may also be brought on by: A health problem such as an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism , or heart or breathing problems.
Depression or another mood disorder. Heavy alcohol use. Using too much nicotine or too much caffeine. Taking certain medicines, such as those used to treat asthma and heart problems. Drug use. Living with high levels of stress for a long time. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of a panic attack may include: A feeling of intense fear, terror, or anxiety. Trouble breathing or very fast breathing. Chest pain or tightness. A heartbeat that races or isn't regular. Nausea or an upset stomach.
Dizziness and shaking. Numbness or tingling. Symptoms of panic disorder may include: Repeated panic attacks when there is no reason for the fight-or-flight response. Changing your daily activities because you worry that you will have another attack. People who have panic disorder often have depression at the same time. How are panic attacks and panic disorder diagnosed? How are they treated?
Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition. Cause The exact cause of panic disorder isn't clear. You can have a panic attack without having panic disorder. Panic attacks may be triggered by: Drinking large amounts of alcohol or abruptly stopping the use of alcohol. Drinking large amounts of caffeine. It greatly increases the amount of nicotine in the blood.
Taking certain medicines such as those used to treat asthma and heart conditions or abruptly stopping certain medicines such as those used to treat anxiety or sleep problems. Using drugs. Having high levels of stress for a long time. Having recently had a baby. Having recently had surgery or been under general anesthesia. Panic attacks also can be caused by or linked with other medical conditions, including: Thyroid problems, such as an overactive thyroid hyperthyroidism.
Heart problems. Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy. Respiratory problems, such as COPD. Stopping the use of a prescription medicine, such as a heart medicine.
Anxiety disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms The main symptom of a panic attack is an overwhelming feeling of fear or anxiety. Symptoms of a panic attack may include: Rapid breathing hyperventilation , shortness of breath, or a feeling of choking or being smothered.
A pounding or racing heart or an irregular heartbeat. Chest pain. View Additional Section Content. The most common forms include: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent worry or fear. People with this disorder worry about a number of concerns, such as health problems or finances, and may have a general sense that something bad is going to happen. Panic disorder is marked by recurrent panic attacks that include symptoms such as sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or a feeling of choking, a pounding heart or rapid heart rate, and feelings of dread.
Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. People with this disorder are fearful of social situations in which they might feel embarrassed or judged. Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico are the only states that allow psychologists to prescribe medicine. Your treatment by a psychologist will likely be in conjunction with ongoing treatment by your primary doctor.
Psychotherapy and medication are often used together to treat anxiety disorder. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. A psychiatrist can provide both psychotherapy and medication to treat your anxiety disorder. Psychiatric nurse practitioners provide primary mental health care to people seeking treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Psychiatric nurse practitioners are able to diagnose and treat people with mental illnesses, including prescribe medications.
As fewer medical students go into psychiatry, more and more psychiatric care is being assumed by psychiatric nurse practitioners. Take a few minutes ahead of time to think about what you need to tell your doctor and what questions you want to ask. Writing them down will help both you and your doctor, and save time. Here are some questions you may want to ask. Add any others you think are important for your doctor to know.
Here are some questions your doctor will probably ask you:. In addition to your prescribed treatment, you may want to join a support group. It can be very helpful to talk with other people who are experiencing symptoms similar to yours. Being part of a group can also help you develop new social skills.
Your community will likely have several support groups, either for your specific disorder or for anxiety in general. Check with your medical professionals to learn what resources are available in your area. You might ask your:.
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