What Are Treatments for Panic Disorder?

Discussion Panic disorder is “…one of the anxiety disorders and is characterized by repeated, unexpected panic attacks, involving physical symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness and chest pains, along with a fear of recurring attacks and changing behaviors to avoid further attacks.” It has both physical manifestations and mental ones including extreme fear such as mortal fear, loss of control and fear of alienation. It is most common in teenagers aged 15-19 and is very common with about 1% of teens experiencing attacks. A study of college students in multiple countries found a lifetime prevalence of 5%. A review of generalized anxiety disorder and an anxiety differential diagnosis can be found here. Learning Point Treatment for patients with panic attack is often multimodal with behavior and medication therapy used singly or in combination. Behavioral therapy to help the patient and family to understand the problem, recognize the triggers and increase coping skills to manage their symptoms are the basics. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used to treat patients with success. Relaxation methods often are very helpful to pediatric aged patients to manage their symptoms. Supportive school and home environments can offer consistency and reassurance can also help. Appropriate physical activity and exercise also can help patients with anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are usually the first type of medications used in addition to b...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news