In addition, about one third of people with panic disorder also have depression or problems with drugs or alcohol use. If you have panic disorder or agoraphobia, a complete physical exam is the first step. You can talk with your doctor about your panic attacks and other problems. Although panic disorder can feel terrible, it can be treated. You can take medicine or have a special type of cognitive therapy, discussed below.
Several medicines can help control panic attacks.
Some medicines may be used for only a few weeks. Other medicines may be used for a year or longer. Certain therapies, called cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapies, have been found to be effective in treating panic disorder. These treatments can be done by yourself, or with a partner or a group. If you get treated with medicine alone, you might start having panic attacks again when you stop taking the medicine.