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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 6 2000

Treatment of panic disorder

Some people who are anxious have panic disorder. They suffer from panic attacks which come on without warning. The symptoms of a panic attack include sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, nausea and a fast heart rate. Sometimes the person feels as if they are about to die.

Panic disorder can restrict what people do. For example, they may be afraid to leave home in case they have an attack.

Counselling can help these patients. In addition they may need medication. Some of the medicines used to treat depression can also be used to treat panic disorder.

Before any treatment begins the person needs a check up. Symptoms such as chest pain and palpitation can occur in panic disorder, but can also be signs of heart disease.