This article explains anxiety and panic attacks. It also explains possible causes. This section includes tips and advice for you and your family, as well as guidance for your friends and loved ones.
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Self-help resources
Your GP might recommend a self-help resource as the first option. It’s easy to access and can help you feel better.
You could also get self-help through:
Workbooks. Your GP may recommend certain titles through Reading Well, which offers Books on Prescription. You don’t need to have a prescription from your doctor to check out this scheme.
Online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). You can find many app-based CBT courses that treat anxiety and panic attacks. To find the right app for you, search the NHS apps library. You may be offered a resource or a course with others who have experienced similar difficulties.
“I was diagnosed as having generalised anxiety disorder, depression, and OCD traits. I received CBT for nearly a year. It was extremely helpful.
Talking therapies
Your doctor may recommend a talk therapy if self-help resources don’t work for you or you have tried them before and they didn’t help. Talking therapy is recommended for panic and anxiety.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which focuses on the impact of your thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes on your feelings and behavior, and helps you to develop coping skills for different situations.
Applied relaxation therapy is a method of relaxing your muscles when you are experiencing anxiety.
How CBT helped me defeat the bully in my head
“I don’t need to analyze every little thing that happens.”
Medication
Your doctor may offer medication to manage your symptoms. It is possible to combine medication and therapy for some people. However, you should not be limited to medication.
These are some possible medications that you may be offered.
Antidepressants
This will usually be a type known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibit (SSRI). Side effects of SSRIs may cause sleep problems, anxiety, or worsening of depression in some people. You may be offered another type if they don’t work or aren’t right.
Pregabalin
Pregabalin may be prescribed by your doctor in certain cases. Pregabalin is an antiseizure medication that is licensed to treat anxiety and epilepsy.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers can be used to treat anxiety symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, and shaking. They aren’t psychiatric drugs and don’t treat psychological symptoms. They might be useful in situations that can trigger your phobia.
Benzodiazepine tranquillisers
A benzodiazepine tranquilliser may be recommended if you have severe anxiety and it is affecting your daily life. These drugs can have unpleasant side effects and may become addictive. Your doctor should only recommend a low dosage for a brief time to ease your anxiety.
What are the best ways to access treatment?
Your GP is the first thing you should do to get NHS treatment. The doctor will conduct an assessment and may ask you questions about your anxiety, worry, and nervousness.
The doctor will then discuss your options with you and you can choose the best treatment for you.
The waiting lists for NHS talking therapies can be quite long. You might consider these options if you are having difficulty accessing talking therapies:
Charities and specialist organizations
Private therapy. Private therapy is an option that some people explore. However, it’s not for everyone as it can be costly.
What if I am afraid of my anxiety?
If you have anxiety, it can make it difficult to seek treatment. You might feel unable to speak on the phone or leave your house.
Here are some ideas:
Ask your doctor whether they offer telephone or home visits. They might be able book you an appointment for a quieter time if they don’t offer it.
Some GP offices will let someone else call you and book your appointments (with your permission). You might also consider having someone accompany you to the appointment to provide support.
You may be eligible to receive therapy at an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies service in your local area. Some IAPT services can be accessed online or by phone.
What if I feel worse?
Regular visits with your doctor are recommended to monitor how you’re doing and assess how any treatment is working.
Different medications work for different people. Your doctor may recommend a substitute.
Your doctor may refer you to a community-based mental health team (CMHT) if you have tried a variety of treatments but none have worked. It is composed of several healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists or clinical psychologists. Your CMHT will assess you individually and provide you with a personalised treatment plan.
This is especially recommended if you:
Your symptoms make it difficult to perform everyday activities.
You have a serious mental or physical problem.
You are having thoughts about self-harming or suicide.
Remember that recovery is a journey and won’t be easy. It might be more beneficial to learn more about yourself and develop ways to cope than to try to eliminate all symptoms.
