Treatments for Panic Disorder

Medical care can help most people with panic disorder, but treatment success varies from person to person. Most people respond well to treatment and can return to normal functioning in weeks or months. Treatment can be complicated by having another condition at the same time, such as substance abuse , depression , or other anxiety disorders.

Psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and specially trained primary care providers are trained to treat panic disorder. If your doctor doesn't have special training, ask for the name of a doctor or counselor who does.

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Other treatments Alternative and complementary therapies

There are no surgical procedures for the treatment of panic disorder.

Researchers found that people with panic disorder get the most benefit from a combination of treatment (therapy and medication).

References

Anxiety Disorders Association of America website. Available at: http://www.adaa.org/ .

National Anxiety Foundation website. Available at: http://www.lexington-on-line.com/naf.html .

8/22/2006 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance : Furukawa TA, Watanabe N, Churchill R. Psychotherapy plus antidepressant for panic disorder with or without agoraphobia: systematic review. Br J Psychiatry. 2006;188:305-312.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 11/2012
Update Date: 11/26/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.