Who treats panic attacks and anxiety disorders?

From the Guidelines

Panic attacks and anxiety disorders are typically treated by mental health professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, with the integration of behavioral health providers into primary care via the Primary Care Behavioral Health (PCBH) model offering a promising way to improve treatment options. According to a review of psychological interventions for anxiety in adult primary care patients 1, the majority of studies utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and were delivered individually, face-to-face. Some key points to consider when treating panic attacks and anxiety disorders include:

• The use of CBT, which typically involves 12-16 weekly sessions focusing on identifying and changing negative thought patterns
• The prescription of medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines for acute symptoms by psychiatrists or primary care physicians
• The importance of combining medication with therapy for effective treatment, as medications address the neurochemical imbalances while therapy provides coping strategies and tools to manage symptoms long-term
• The potential benefits of the PCBH model in improving treatment options for anxiety disorders, as it allows for the integration of behavioral health providers into primary care settings. As noted in the study by Robyn L. Shepardson et al. 1, the PCBH model offers a promising way to improve treatment options for anxiety disorders, and primary care physicians can play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions, often referring patients to specialists for therapy.

From the FDA Drug Label

Panic DisorderProzac is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM–IV Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks, and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks

The physician deals with panic attack and anxiety disorder.

• Panic disorder is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks.
• The effectiveness of Prozac in long–term use has not been established in placebo–controlled trials, therefore, the physician who elects to use Prozac for extended periods should periodically reevaluate the long–term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient 2

From the Research

Healthcare Professionals Dealing with Panic Attack and Anxiety Disorder

• Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with panic disorder and anxiety disorders 3
• Psychiatrists also play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of panic disorder and anxiety disorders 4, 3
• Cognitive-behavioral therapists are involved in the treatment of panic disorder and anxiety disorders, particularly in the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy 4, 5

Treatment Approaches

• Pharmacotherapy, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), is a common treatment approach for panic disorder and anxiety disorders 4, 5, 6
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy is also an effective treatment approach for panic disorder and anxiety disorders 4, 5
• Collaborative relationships between patients, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists are important for providing comprehensive care for patients with panic disorder and anxiety disorders 3

Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

• Early detection and treatment of panic disorder and anxiety disorders can improve quality of life and reduce healthcare costs 3, 5
• Reducing the burden of disease from anxiety disorders requires timely and accurate disease detection, as well as adequate treatment administration 7