panic disorder

Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by sudden anxiety attacks. These attacks can be accompanied by palpitations, sweating, tremors, shortness of breath, nausea and fear of dying. Those affected suffer from the fear that a panic attack will occur in inappropriate situations and therefore avoid certain places or situations.

The diagnostic criteria according to ICD-10 include at least one panic attack and fear or avoidance behavior in relation to further attacks. It must also be ruled out that the symptoms are due to another physical or mental illness.

Drug treatment for panic disorder usually involves the use of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and SNRI (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) class antidepressants such as fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine, and duloxetine. These drugs are primarily used to relieve anxiety symptoms. Benzodiazepines such as lorazepam should not be taken, if possible, or only for a short time and under medical supervision, since they have a high potential for dependency and if used long-term, they can worsen the symptoms.

The psychotherapeutic treatment of panic disorder primarily includes behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. These forms of therapy aim to reduce the fear of anxiety attacks and encourage patients to overcome their fear.

Mindfulness exercises can help treat panic disorder because they can help increase awareness of the current experience and increase an individual's understanding of their own thoughts and feelings. By promoting mindfulness, those affected can learn to better regulate and manage their feelings of anxiety and panic-like symptoms.

Meditative practices such as yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, or autogenic training can also be helpful to improve body awareness and reduce stress.

The prognosis for panic disorder is usually good. With a combined therapy of drug treatment, psychotherapy and self-help methods, most of those affected can achieve a significant improvement in their symptoms. However, it is important that treatment is continued over the long term to avoid recurrence.