​The Most Effective Treatments for Panic Attacks

 

There is strong scientific consensus on what works.

 

Let’s walk through the options.

 

 

1. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

 

CBT is considered the gold standard treatment for panic disorder.

 

CBT is also widely used in the treatment of generalized anxiety and other anxiety disorders.

​

Why?

 

Because panic is maintained by:

 

• Catastrophic thinking (“I’m dying.”)

• Hyper-focus on bodily sensations

• Avoidance behaviours

• Safety behaviours (checking, reassurance, escape plans)

 

CBT helps you:

 

• Identify catastrophic interpretations

• Learn how the panic cycle works

• Gradually face feared sensations

• Reduce avoidance

 

One specific component — interoceptive exposure — is especially powerful.

This involves intentionally recreating physical sensations (like dizziness or increased heart rate) in a safe, controlled way so your brain learns:

 

“This sensation is uncomfortable — but not dangerous.”

 

This breaks the fear loop.

 

Most people begin noticing improvement within 8–12 sessions when treatment is structured and consistent.

 

 

2. Exposure-Based Therapy

 

Avoidance fuels panic.

 

If you stop driving, avoid grocery stores, or refuse to be alone, your brain interprets those situations as threats.

 

Exposure therapy gently reverses this pattern.

 

It involves:

 

• Gradually re-entering avoided situations

• Reducing safety behaviours

• Building nervous system tolerance

 

Exposure is never forced.

It is collaborative, paced, and compassionate.

 

The goal is not to “push through” panic — it’s to retrain your nervous system.

 

 

3. Occupational Therapy for Panic

 

This is where many people are surprised.

 

Panic is not just a mental experience. It affects daily life:

 

• Missing work

• Avoiding public transportation

• Stopping social activities

• Difficulty sleeping

• Changes in routines

• Fear of being alone

 

Occupational therapy focuses on function.

 

At Vivago, OT for panic may include:

 

• Gradual return-to-work planning

• Environmental modification

• Structured exposure in real-life contexts

• Routine stabilization

• Sensory regulation strategies

• Energy management

 

Instead of only reducing symptoms, we help rebuild participation.

 

Panic may shrink your world.

Our work helps expand it again.

 

 

4. Medication Options for Panic Attacks

 

Medication can be helpful — especially when panic is frequent, severe, or significantly impairing daily life.

 

The most commonly prescribed medications for panic include:

 

 

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

 

These are considered first-line treatment for panic disorder.

 

Examples include:

 

• Sertraline

• Escitalopram

• Fluoxetine

 

SSRIs do not eliminate anxiety entirely. Instead, they reduce the intensity and frequency of panic, making it easier to engage in therapy.

 

They typically take:

 

• 2–6 weeks to show noticeable improvement

• Longer for full effect

 

Temporary side effects can occur during the adjustment period. Close follow-up with a prescriber is important.

 

 

SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)

 

These may be used when SSRIs are not effective or tolerated.

 

They work similarly but affect additional neurotransmitters involved in stress regulation.

 

 

Benzodiazepines (Short-Term Use)

 

These medications can reduce panic quickly.

 

However:

 

• They do not treat the root cause

• They may increase avoidance patterns

• They are generally used cautiously and short-term

 

They can be helpful in specific cases but are not typically a long-term solution.

 

 

Combined Treatment

 

Research consistently shows that the most effective long-term outcomes occur when medication and structured therapy (especially CBT and exposure) are combined.

 

Medication reduces the intensity.

Therapy retrains the nervous system.