Panic Disorder Treatment - Dr. Soumiya Mudgal

Diagnosis

Your primary care provider will determine if you have panic attacks, panic disorder or another condition, such as heart or thyroid problems, with symptoms that resemble panic attacks.

To help pinpoint a diagnosis, you may have:

A complete physical exam
Blood tests to check your thyroid and other possible conditions and tests on your heart, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
A psychological evaluation to talk about your symptoms, fears or concerns, stressful situations, relationship problems, situations you may be avoiding, and family history

Treatment

Treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your panic attacks and improve your function in daily life. The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. One or both types of treatment may be recommended, depending on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic disorder and whether you have access to therapists who have special training in treating panic disorders.

What You Can Do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

Your symptoms, including when they first occurred and how often you've had them
Key personal information, including traumatic events in your past and any stressful major events that occurred before your first panic attack
Medical information, including other physical or mental health conditions that you have
Medications, vitamins, herbal products and other supplements, and the dosages
Questions to ask your doctor