Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDiagnosisMedicationsPsychotherapyCombinationLifestyle Changes
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Table of Contents
Diagnosis
Medications
Psychotherapy
Combination
Lifestyle Changes
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Panic disorder andagoraphobiaare very treatable conditions. People who have been diagnosed with panic disorder can be effectively treated through medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of these two approaches.
This article will discuss effective treatment options for panic disorder, as well as lifestyle changes you can implement to manage your symptoms.
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A mental healthcare professional can evaluate you for panic disorder. Before making a determination, they will check to see if you meet thediagnostic criteriafor the condition.
There are many medications that can safely and effectively treat panic disorder.Medications for panic disorderfall into one of two categories:
These medications can be prescribed to lessen the severity of panic attacks and reduce general feelings of anxiety.
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Antidepressants
Antidepressants were originally used to treat mood disorders, such asdepressionand depressive symptoms associated withbipolar disorder. It was later found that antidepressants could also help treat anxiety disorders, including panic disorder.
Antidepressant medications have been found to effectively decrease the intensity of panic attacks and overall anxiety.
Antidepressants are also often used when a person has a co-occurring condition, such aspost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)or depression. The most commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder belong to a popular class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Like all antidepressants,SSRIsaffect the chemical messengers in the brain, calledneurotransmitters. In particular, SSRIs target the neurotransmitter called serotonin, which is associated with mood. SSRIs help balance a person’s serotonin levels, which can then help regulate mood, decrease anxiety, and improve sleep.
Research has found that SSRIs can assist in reducing the intensity and frequency of panic attacks.Some of the most common SSRIs include:
There are someside effects associated with SSRIs.
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Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications, sometimes referred to as tranquilizers, are recommended for their fast-acting relief and sedating effect. These medications slow down thecentral nervous system, which can make you feel calmer and more relaxed. By helping someone feel less fearful and anxious, anti-anxiety medications can greatly reduce the symptoms of panic disorder.
Benzodiazepinesare a commonly prescribed class of anti-anxiety medication that can help reduce the severity of panic attacks.These medications have a sedative effect that can help quickly reduce panic symptoms and elicit a more relaxed state.
Some of the most popular benzodiazepines include:
There are some risks and potential side effects associated with these medications, including dependence and misuse.However, benzodiazepines have been found to be a safe and effective medication when used appropriately in the treatment of panic disorder.
RecapSSRIs and benzodiazepines are effective options for treating panic disorder. Both medications can reduce the severity of panic attacks, but benzodiazepines are typically faster-acting and used on a short-term basis whereas anti-depressants may be prescribed more long-term.
Recap
SSRIs and benzodiazepines are effective options for treating panic disorder. Both medications can reduce the severity of panic attacks, but benzodiazepines are typically faster-acting and used on a short-term basis whereas anti-depressants may be prescribed more long-term.
Psychotherapyhas also been found to effectively treat panic disorder and agoraphobia.Through psychotherapy, a mental health specialist can assist you in working through unresolved issues and feelings. Additionally, a therapist can help you develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving that will help you deal with your symptoms.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This faulty thinking often contributes to unhelpful behaviors, such as avoiding feared situations. CBT may help you overcome negative thinking patterns and develop healthier ways to manage your condition.
Desensitizationis a popular CBT technique used to help people overcome the feelings of fear and anxiety that are often associated with panic attacks.
Through desensitization, your therapist gradually introduces you to anxiety-provoking situations while teaching you how to regain control of your anxiety. Gradually, you are introduced to more fear-inducing situations while you continue to learn how to manage your panic.
They may eventually advance to more fear-inducing situations, such as going to the airport or boarding an airplane. With each situation, they learn to manage their panic symptoms. Through continued practice, desensitization may help them overcome theirfear of flying.
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Panic-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Panic-focused psychodynamic psychotherapy (PFPP) is another therapeutic method used in the treatment of panic disorder.This form of psychotherapy aims to uncover past experiences and emotional conflicts that may have influenced the development of your panic andanxiety.
PFPP helps you recognize unconscious conflicts—particularly around anger—and resolve these conflicts in less frightening and more constructive ways. By coming to better terms with certain conflicts, fantasies, and behaviors, you may be able to overcome your issues with panic disorder.
RecapTherapies like CBT and PFPP are effective treatments for panic disorder. CBT focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and developing healthy coping skills, while PFPP is intended to help you resolve unconscious emotional conflicts.
Therapies like CBT and PFPP are effective treatments for panic disorder. CBT focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and developing healthy coping skills, while PFPP is intended to help you resolve unconscious emotional conflicts.
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Combination of Medication and Psychotherapy
Your doctor may determine that a combination of therapy and medication is best suited for you. Typically, this approach involves using SSRIs together with a form of therapy like CBT. This combination has been shown to be effective at treating panic disorder.Benzodiazepines may also be used as a short-term treatment to reduce anxiety symptoms.
Making changes to your daily habits may also help you reduce symptoms of panic disorder. These changes could include:
Taking steps to manage your daily stress levels may also help. Practicingmindfulness meditation,yoga, or another calming activity may help control your anxiety levels and reduce your symptoms.
Summary
There are treatment options available for panic disorder. These include:
You can also implement lifestyle changes to better control your daily stress levels and further reduce your symptoms. Avoiding dietary triggers like caffeine may help, as can making sure you get enough sleep and exercise.
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11 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Breilmann J, Girlanda F, Guaiana G, et al.Benzodiazepines versus placebo for panic disorder in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.2019;3:CD010677. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010677.pub2
Bighelli I, Castellazzi M, Cipriani A, et al.Antidepressants versus placebo for panic disorder in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;4(4):CD010676. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010676.pub2
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Ogawa S, Kondo M, Ino K, et al.Predictors of broad dimensions of psychopathology among patients with panic disorder after cognitive-behavioral therapy.Psychiatry J. 2018;2018:5183834. doi:10.1155/2018/5183834
Meuret AE, Wolitzky-Taylor KB, Twohig MP, Craske MG.Coping skills and exposure therapy in panic disorder and agoraphobia: Latest advances and future directions.Behav Ther. 2012;43(2):271–284. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2011.08.002
Thng CEW, Lim-Ashworth NSJ, Poh BZQ, Lim CG.Recent developments in the intervention of specific phobia among adults: A rapid review.F1000Res. 2020;9:195. doi:10.12688/f1000research.20082.1
Milrod B, Chambless DL, Gallop R, et al.Psychotherapies for panic disorder: A tale of two sites.J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(7):927-935. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09507
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