Treatment
The goal of treatment is to decrease the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Your doctor or mental health specialist will provide treatment. The following treatments may be provided:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can prepare patients for situations that may trigger panic attacks. Therapy focuses on:
- Learning how to recognize what causes your fears
- Gradually changing distorted thinking patterns to more healthful ones
- Breathing exercises that increase relaxation
- Reducing fear and feelings of terror
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
Antidepressants
- Tricyclics, such as clomipramine (Anafranil) or imipramine (Tofranil)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs), such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Please note FDA Public Health Advisory for Antidepressants:
The FDA advises that people taking antidepressants should be closely observed. For some, the medications have been linked to worsening symptoms and suicidal thoughts. These adverse effects are most common in young adults. The effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment or when there is an increase or decrease in the dose. Although the warning is for all antidepressants, of most concern are the SSRI class such as:
- Prozac ( fluoxetine ), Zoloft ( sertraline ), Paxil ( paroxetine ), Luvox ( fluvoxamine ), Celexa ( citalopram ), Lexapro( escitalopram )
Anti-anxiety Medicines (Benzodiazepines)
- Alprazolam (Xanax)
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
- Lorazepam (Ativan)
Studies have found that people with panic disorder get the most benefit from a combination of treatment (therapy and medication). *¹
Dietary Changes
Some people find that avoiding caffeine (found in coffee, tea, chocolate, colas, diet sodas) may help reduce panic attacks.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
More Panic Disorder Information
Improved
620 HealthChanged
293 LivesSaved
210 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 197 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
