What are the common treatments for panic disorder?

What are the common treatments for panic disorder?

Christopher Reist (Academic Psychiatrist, Co-Author of “Psychiatry”) gives expert video advice on: What are the common treatments for panic disorder?; Is there anything I can do to avoid developing panic disorder? and more...

The primary treatment for panic disorder is pharmacotherapy - treatment with medications. These medications usually include antidepressants, such as the serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Examples of those medications would be fluoxetine, peroxitine or satalapram. Other medications can sometimes be used as co-treatment for panic disorder. This would include drugs like xanax or other benzodiazepines. Because these are sedative medications, we tend to use them only at the beginning of panic disorder treatment, while we're waiting for the antidepressant to take affect. In mild cases, certain psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is effective for treating panic disorder.