Why Seeking Treatment for Panic Disorder is so Important

Repeated episodes of fear—commonly called panic attacks—that are typical of panic disorder can be devastating. The panic attacks, or avoidance of them, can completely take control of your life. Without treatment, you may continue to have panic attacks for years.

The disorder can seriously interfere with your relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. Without treatment, your life may become severely restricted. For example, you may start to avoid certain situations where you fear you will experience a panic attack--even normal, everyday activities, such as grocery shopping or driving. In extreme cases, people with untreated panic disorder grow afraid to leave the house, a condition known as agoraphobia.

Without treatment, you may find it difficult to be productive at work. Your symptoms may keep you from getting to your job or staying there once you arrive. You may turn down promotions or job assignments that you believe will make you more likely to have panic attacks. Some people with panic disorder even quit their jobs. Many can keep working, but otherwise, rarely leave home.

Without treatment, you may become severely depressed. You may try unsuccessfully to numb the symptoms of panic disorder or depression with alcohol or other drugs. You may even begin to have thoughts about suicide.

You do not have to live this way. You need to know that panic disorder is treatable. In fact, proper treatment reduces or completely prevents panic attacks in 70 to 90 percent of the people who suffer with them. Many people feel substantial relief in just weeks or months. Unfortunately, some people are reluctant to pursue treatment. Perhaps they think their condition is not serious. Perhaps they feel embarrassed. They may blame themselves or have trouble asking for help. Perhaps they dislike the idea of medication or therapy. Or, maybe they have sought help but are frustrated because their condition was not diagnosed or treated effectively.

Do not let these, or any other reasons, stop you from getting proper treatment. If you have panic disorder, you should get whatever help is necessary to overcome it, just as you would for any serious medical illness. Do not be discouraged if some people say, "It's nothing to worry about. It's just stress." Or something like, "It's all in your head. Just snap out of it." While they often mean well, the fact is that most people who do not have panic disorder do not understand that it is REAL and, therefore, tend to doubt its seriousness. Most importantly, do not try to numb the effects of panic attacks with alcohol or other drugs. This will only make the problem worse.

Selecting a Therapist

Various types of health professionals may have the training and experience needed to treat panic disorder. Sometimes panic disorder patients are treated by two healthcare professionals—one who prescribes and monitors medication and another who provides cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Each professional will use the treatments with which he or she is most familiar and successful. It is vital to choose a professional who is trained and experienced in the treatment methods described earlier; it is equally important to choose someone with whom you feel comfortable.

Many people begin looking for treatment by visiting their family doctor or a local clinic or health maintenance organization. Other places to seek help include your local health department or community mental health clinic. If there is a university near you, you may wish to ask about participating in a panic disorder study. Many universities have ongoing treatment research programs in their psychology or psychiatry departments that may provide care at less expense.

When seeking a healthcare professional to treat your panic disorder, you may want to ask the following questions:

• How many patients with panic disorder have you treated?
• Do you have any special training in panic disorder treatment?
• What is your basic approach to treatmen - cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, or both?
• If you provide only one type of treatment, how do I get the other if I need it?
• How long is a typical course of treatment?
• How frequent are treatment sessions?
• How long does each session last?
• What are your fees?
• Can you help me determine whether my health insurance will cover this?

It's also important to realize that you have to work with your therapist to make your treatment successful.