Panic disorder can drastically affect a person’s life and the lives of people around the sufferer. It is very necessary then for the patient’s family and friends to know how it can be treated. This way, all of them can live a more normal life.


The first step in panic disorder treatment is awareness. Most people already know that a panic disorder is a form of anxiety illness coupled with several panic attacks. Symptoms include rapid beating of the heart, difficulty in breathing, chest pains, and sometimes inexplicable fear. It is very important to know the symptoms of a panic attack, so one can immediately seek treatment. In relation to awareness, family and friends of the sufferer must also provide support and understanding, as social distancing and discrimination will only make the situation worse.

There are several methods that can be used for panic disorder treatment. Medications come first into mind especially when one is already experiencing a panic attack. Anti-anxiety drugs such Klonopil and Xanax are often prescribed to reduce the effect of a panic attack. Anti-depressants like Prozac and Paxil, on the other hand, help in preventing the symptoms from occurring. Medications, though, will not completely rid one of panic disorder. Too much use of the prescription drugs may even cause more damage to the patient, such as drug dependency.

Therapy may be a long process but can provide better results especially when coupled with medication in the beginning of the treatment. Sometimes therapy alone can cure an individual. An example is cognitive-behavioral therapy that has been proven to completely heal patients. In cognitive-behavioral therapy, a patient is made to recognize the situation that gives him or her the anxiety. The patient is then made to face these situations in a regulated manner to reduce anxiousness.

Finally, to prevent panic disorder from ever coming back, patients are encouraged to maintain a relaxing atmosphere. They may also have to learn how to control their breathing.

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