Panic disorder
The main aim in treating panic disorder is to reduce the number of panic attacks and easethe severity of symptoms.
Psychological therapy and medication are the two main types of treatment for panic disorder.
Depending on your individual circumstances, you may need one of these treatment types or a combination of the two.
If you're offered psychological therapy, it will probably be in the form of Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT, see below). If this doesn't work, medication may be recommended.
Before starting any form of treatment, your GP will discuss all of the options with you, outlining the advantages of each type and making you aware of any possible risks or side effects.
No single treatment works for everyone and you may need to try a number of treatments before finding one that works for you. The treatment that's recommended will depend on your general level of health, the severity of your condition and your personal preferences.
It's important you understand what your treatment will involve. If you don't understand something your GP has told you, ask them to explain it in more detail.
Psychological therapy has proven long-term benefits and it's recommended for treating panic disorder. It will usually take the form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
CBT is thought to be one of the most effective psychological treatments for panic disorder. It involves having regular sessions with a therapist.
The therapist may discuss with you how you react when you have a panic attack and what you think about when you're experiencing an attack.
Once you and your therapist have identified any negative thoughts and beliefs, you can work on replacing them with more realistic and balanced ones. Your therapist can also teach you ways of changing your behaviour, making it easier for you to deal with future panic attacks.
For example, they may be able to show you breathing techniques that can be used to help keep you calm during a panic attack.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends a total of seven to 14 hours of CBT to be completed within a four month period. Treatment will usually involve having a weekly one to two hour session.
NICE also recommends that in certain situations a shorter programme of CBT may be appropriate. This can involve a reduced number of hours of CBT with homework being set between sessions so that you can practice what you've learnt after each session.
You should visit your GP regularlywhile you're having CBT so that they can assess your progress and see how you're doing.
Support groups can provide useful information and advice about how you can effectively manage your panic disorder. They're also a good way of meeting other people who've had similar experiences of the condition.
Panic attacks can sometimes be frightening and isolating, so it can be helpful to know that other people are experiencing the same feelings and emotions as you.
Anxiety UK and Triumph Over Phobia (TOP UK) are UK-based charities that provide information and support for people with anxiety disorders.
Support groups often involve face-to-face meetings where you can talk about your problems and difficulties with others. Many can also provide support and guidance over the telephone or in writing.
Ask your GP about support groups for panic disorder near you. You can also use the services directory to find anxiety services in your area .
Antidepressants are often associated with depression , but they can also be used to treat a number of other psychological conditions.
Antidepressants can take two to four weeks before becoming effective. It's therefore important to continue taking them, even if you feel they'renot working. You should only ever stop taking prescribed medication if your GP specifically advises you to do so.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants are two types of antidepressants that are often recommended for treatingpanic disorder.
When starting a new type of medication, you should be regularly assessed by your GP at two, four, six and 12 week intervals. This will allow you to discuss any issues that you have with your medication, and enables your GP to assess which treatment is most effective. It will also provide you with the opportunity to try a different type of medication if you want to.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant that work by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain.
They're the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant for treating panic disorder. They're usually started at a low dose before gradually being increased as your body adjusts to the medicine.
Common side effects of SSRIs include:
When you first start taking SSRIs, your feelings of anxiety and panic may get slightly worse. In most cases, this is temporary and your symptoms will start to return to normal levels within a few days of taking the medicine.
Speak to your GP if you feel that your symptoms have got worse and that they're not showing signs of returning to normal levels after a few days.
After you start to take a SSRI, you should visit your GP after two, four, six, and 12 weeks so that they can check on your progress and see whether you're responding to the medicine. Not everyone responds well to antidepressant medicines, so it's important that your progress is carefully monitored.
If your GP feels it necessary, you may require regular blood tests or blood pressure checks when taking antidepressants. If after 12 weeks of taking the medication you don't show any signs of improvement, your GP may prescribe an alternative SSRI to see if it has any effect.
The length of time that you'll have to take a SSRI for will vary depending on how well you respond to the treatment. Even if you feel that your panic disorder has been successfully treated, it's likely that you'll need to keep taking the medication for at least six to 12 months.
If you stop taking your medication before this time, the risk of your symptoms recurring may be increased. Some people may have to take SSRIs for longer than the usual six to 12 month period.
When you and your GP decide that it's appropriate for you to stop taking SSRIs, you will gradually be weaned off them by slowly reducing your dosage. As with antidepressants, you should never stop taking SSRIsunless your GP specifically advises you to.
Stopping your medication straight away without being weaned off, or without seeking advice from your GP, may result in withdrawal symptoms such as:
These symptoms can also occur if you miss a dose of medication, or if your dose is reduced. The symptoms are usually mild, but they can be severe if the medication is stopped suddenly.
For some people, this means having to take SSRIs on a long-term basis. For others, a course of CBT can help to reduce the risk of their symptoms recurring.
Contact your GP if you experience troublesome side effects thatdon't ease.
If SSRIs aren't suitable, or if your symptoms don't improve after a 12 week course of SSRIs, your GP may try prescribing a different type of antidepressant.
Tricyclic antidepressants work in a similar way to SSRIs. They regulate the levels of the chemicals noradrenaline and serotonin in your brain, which has a positive effect on your feelings and mood.
Imipramineandclomipramine are two tricyclic antidepressants that are often prescribed to treat panic disorder. Tricyclic antidepressants aren't addictive.
SSRIs are usually prescribed before tricyclic antidepressants because they have fewer side effects. Common side effects of tricyclic antidepressants include:
The side effects should ease after seven to 10days as your body starts to get used to the medication. However, see your GP if they become troublesome and don't ease.
Pregabalin is another medication thats often used to treat panic disorder. Its an anticonvulsant that's also used to treat epilepsy (a condition that causes repeated seizures). However, it's also been found to be beneficial in treating anxiety.
Side effects of pregabalin can include:
Pregabalin is less likely to cause nausea or a low sex drive than SSRIs.
Clonazepam is another medication thats often used to treat epilepsy and is also sometimes prescribed for panic disorder.
It can cause a wide variety of side effects including lethargy (lack of energy), abnormal eye movement (nystagmus), confusion and allergic reactions.
You may be referred to a mental health specialist if treatments such as attending a support group, CBT and medication don't improve your symptoms of panic disorder .
A mental health specialist will carry out an overall reassessment of your condition. They'll ask you about your previous treatment and how effective you found it. They may also ask you about things in your life that may be affecting your condition, or how much support you get from family and friends.
The specialist will be able to devise a treatment plan for you, which will aim to effectively treat your symptoms.
The type of mental health specialist that you'll be referred to will depend on your individual situation. For example, you may be referred to a:
Panic disorder is where you have recurring and regular panic attacks, often for no obvious reason.
The symptoms of a panic attack can be very frightening and distressing. They tend to occur very suddenly, without warning and often for no apparent reason.
As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of panic disorder isn't fully understood.
Everyone who has panic disorder will experience panic attacks. However, not everyone who has panic attacks is diagnosed with panic disorder.
The main aim in treating panic disorder is to reduce the number of panic attacks and ease the severity of symptoms.
If you have panic disorder, there are several self-help techniques you can use including slow, deep breathing, relaxation techniques and visualisation.
Panic disorder is a treatable condition, but to make a full recovery it's very important you seek medical help as soon as possible.
Colin Hammond describes how panic attacks affected his life and became a series of phobias and anxieties, and how therapy helped his recovery.
Claire Ledger had her first panic attack while shopping in her local high street.