Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia

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Treatment

The goal of treatment is to help the person function effectively. The success of treatment usually depends in part on the severity of the agoraphobia.

Antidepressant medications are effective treatments for many people with panic disorder -- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil, have become the primary medication. Antianxiety medications may also be prescribed.

Behavioral therapies that may be used in conjunction with drug therapy include relaxation techniques, pleasant mental imagery, and cognitive behavioral therapy to restructure distorted and potentially harmful interpretations of the experience of severe anxiety.

Other psychological counseling and therapy techniques may be helpful to help individuals gain an understanding of the illness and the specific factors that serve as protectors or "triggers" for them.