Panic Disorder (Treatments)

SSRIs commonly prescribed for panic disorder in combination with obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobia, or depression include fluoxetine, sertraline, fluvoxamine, paroxetine and citalopram. An initial low dose of these medications is gradually increased until it reaches a therapeutic level.

The antidepressants known as tricyclics are also taken at low doses, and are slowly increased. Tricyclics have been around longer than SSRIs and have been more widely studied for treating panic disorders. They are as effective as the SSRIs, but many physicians and patients prefer the newer drugs because the tricyclics can have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and weight gain. If these problems persist, the patient may request a change in dosage or a switch in medications.

The oldest generation of antidepressant medications is the monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Phenelzine, the most commonly prescribed MAOI, is helpful for patients with panic disorder. People who take MAOIs must watch their diet because these antidepressants can interact with some foods and beverages, including cheese and red wine, which contain a chemical called tyramine. MAOIs also interact with certain other medications, including SSRIs. These different interactions can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure and other life-threatening reactions.

Anti-Anxiety Medications

The group of anti-anxiety medications known as benzodiazepines, including alprazolam and lorazepam, may be prescribed for patients with panic disorder. These drugs alleviate symptoms quickly and have few side effects other than drowsiness, but because people can develop a tolerance to them—and would have to increase the dosage to keep getting the same effect—they are generally prescribed only for short time periods. Because of dependency issues, they are not recommended for patients who have abused drugs or alcohol. Reducing the dosage gradually should prevent possible withdrawal symptoms in patients going off benzodiazepines, but their anxiety may return once they stop taking the medication.

Cognitive-Behavioral and Behavioral Therapy

One form of psychotherapy that has been shown to be effective in treating several anxiety disorders, including panic, is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). A major goal of CBT and behavioral therapy is to reduce anxiety by eliminating beliefs or behaviors that trigger panic. It has two components. The cognitive component helps people change thinking patterns that keep them from overcoming their fears. For example, a person with panic disorder might be helped to see that his or her attacks are not really heart problems as previously feared; the tendency to put the worst possible interpretation on physical symptoms can be overcome.

The behavioral component of CBT seeks to change people's reactions to anxiety-provoking situations. A key element of this component is exposure, in which people confront the things they fear. The therapist helps the patient to cope with the resultant anxiety. Eventually, after this exercise has been repeated a number of times, anxiety will diminish. If you undergo CBT or behavioral therapy, exposure will be carried out only when you are ready; it will be done gradually and only with your permission. You will work with the therapist to determine how much you can handle and at what pace you can proceed.

To be effective, CBT or behavioral therapy must be directed at the person's specific anxieties and it is necessary to tailor it to the person's particular concerns. CBT and behavioral therapy have no adverse side effects other than the temporary discomfort of increased anxiety, but the therapist must be well trained in the techniques of the treatment in order for it to work as desired. During treatment, the therapist probably will assign "homework"—specific problems that the patient will need to work on between sessions.

CBT or behavioral therapy generally lasts about 12 weeks. It may be conducted in a group, provided the people in the group have sufficiently similar problems. There is some evidence that, after treatment is terminated, the beneficial effects of CBT last longer than those of medications for people with panic disorder.

Medication may be combined with psychotherapy, and for many people this is the best approach to treatment. As stated earlier, it is important to give any treatment a fair trial. And if one approach doesn't work, the odds are that another one will, so don't give up.

If you have recovered from an anxiety disorder, and at a later date it recurs, don't consider yourself a "treatment failure." Recurrences can be treated effectively, just like an initial episode. In fact, the skills you learned in dealing with the initial episode can be helpful in coping with a setback.