The person may feel that nothing is real or have an overwhelming sense of impending doom and desire to run away. Panic attacks often start when a person is in his or her 20s. When avoidance becomes severe and disabling, the person is suffering from agoraphobia. Twenty-five percent to 49 percent of sufferers also experience depression. As to treatment, the obvious place to start is with a diagnosis.
Many clinicians use medications to block the attacks.
Xanax has been approved by the FDA to treat panic disorder, although antidepressants also can be effective. Some clinicians use a tranquilizer to relieve the symptoms of anticipatory anxiety. Once the attacks have ceased, the person generally stays on the medication for at least six months. Clinicians also use psychotherapy with panic disorder, either in conjunction with medication or alone. 882-7000 to make an appointment with a University of Missouri Health Sciences Center physician.