Panic disorder

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Panic attacks

Anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy (working with a therapist) have been successfully used to treat panic disorders. The medications act on the central nervous system to reduce the occurrence of anxiety and associated symptoms.

A commonly-used class of anti-anxiety medications is benzodiazepines, including aprolazam (Xanax). However, this class of medications is associated with dependence and addiction. Ideally, these drugs are used only on a temporary basis.

Drugs from a class of antidepressant called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the most commonly used medications for panic disorder. If these do not help, longer-term use of benzodiazepines may be considered.

Behavioral therapies that may be used in conjunction with drug therapy include relaxation techniques, pleasant mental imagery, and cognitive restructuring (learning to recognize and replace panic-inducing thoughts). Psychological counseling and therapy techniques may be helpful in addition to medications.

Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and regularly scheduled meals may help reduce the frequency of the attacks. Caffeine and other stimulants should be reduced or eliminated.

The disorder may be long-lasting and difficult to treat. Although some people with this disorder may not be cured with treatment, most can expect rapid improvement with drug and behavioral therapies.

Possible complications of this condition include avoiding situations or places that might bring on an attack, and an increased likelihood for other anxiety and mood disorders.

Dependence on anti-anxiety medications is a possible complication of treatment. Dependence involves needing a medication to be able to function and to avoid withdrawal symptoms. It is not the same as addiction, which involves the uncontrolled use of a substance despite negative results. Dependence and addiction often occur together, but dependence itself is not always a problem.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if panic attacks are interfering with work, relationships, or self-esteem.

Review Date: 07/25/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.