Knowing What to Expect:
Diagnosis and Treatment of
Panic Disorder
What is Panic Disorder?
A person who has four or more panic attacks in a month may have Panic Disorder. A panic attack is a period
of intense fear, terror or discomfort.
During these attacks, at least four of the following symptoms will
occur:
 Racing or pounding heartbeat
 Flushes or chills
 Chest pains
 Sweating
 Dizziness
 Abnormal sensations such as prickling or tingling
 Nausea
 Fear of losing control or going crazy
 Feeling short of breath
 Fear of dying
Some people with Panic Disorder are afraid to leave their homes. They fear they will have a panic attack in
a place where they cannot escape or get help
What should I do if I think I may have
Panic Disorder?
What Causes Panic Disorder?
Researchers are not sure what causes panic
attacks. Heredity may play a role. Panic
disorder seems to run in families.
Many
researchers believe the body's natural
fight-or-flight response to danger is
involved.
1.
Panic Disorder is a condition that can be
treated.
Without treatment, it can grow
worse. As with any other serious medical
illness, professional help is needed to
overcome it.

Make
an
appointment
with
a
behavioral
health
practitioner who is contracted with CIGNA Behavioral
Health.
Locate
a
practitioner
online
at
www.CIGNABehavioral.com.
Be sure to ask if the
practitioner has training or experience in treating
Panic Disorder and if he/she uses Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy.
When you go to see the behavioral health practitioner
for the first time, be prepared to provide information
about your physical health and any current medications
you are taking, including vitamins and herbs. Also,
write down instructions your practitioner gives you.
Do
not be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand
something.
2.
What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
(CBT)?
 Education – You learn the facts about
Panic Disorder to help you understand
your symptoms.
Understanding the
symptoms will help you gain control over
them
 Continuous Panic Monitoring – You learn
how to keep a record of your panic
attacks, when they occur, how long they
last, what brings them on.
 Breathing Retraining - You learn how to
breathe and relax your muscles so you
can control how your body reacts to
situations that make you feel anxious.
References:
American Psychiatric Association,
www.psych.org
National Institute of Mental Health,
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/upd.cfm
panic
 Call CIGNA Behavioral Health and speak with a Personal
Advocate who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
http://www.anxietysupport.org/h001menu.htm
CBT includes the following:
for
 Talk to your Primary Care Physician (PCP) who will need
to make sure there is no physical reason for your
anxiety.
The PCP may start you on medication and/or
refer you to a behavioral health practitioner. If your
PCP refers you to a behavioral health practitioner be
sure to sign a release of information to allow the
behavioral health practitioner to communicate with your
PCP for continuity of care
How is Panic Disorder Treated?
According to the National Institute of
Mental Health and the American Psychiatric
Association, panic disorder can be treated
effectively
with
Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy
(CBT),
medication,
or
a
combination of CBT and medication.
There
are also resources for Self-Help and
Support Groups for Panic Disorder that can
be found on various Web sites, including
the ABIL Web site:
The first step is to get an evaluation
disorder. You can do any of the following:
3.
4.
Follow your treatment plan.
Even though you may be
feeling better, symptoms may come back if treatment is
not completed.
Do things to help yourself.
Take an active role in your treatment.
Start by
learning as much as you can about panic disorder.
 Keep a Daily Activities Log to help you recognize: a)
activities may bring on a panic attack. b) activities
you initiated to reduce the anxiety episode and the
degree of success in reducing the anxiety.
 Keep a record of the medications you take and what
effect they have on your anxiety episodes.
 In most cases, medication should be continued for at
least 6–9 months.
Do not stop medication without
talking to your physician.
 Follow the recommendations of your PCP or behavioral
health practitioner. Keep all scheduled appointments.
 Tell your doctor about any medication side effects you
experience.
 Take care of yourself with a balanced diet, moderate
exercise, regular bedtimes, reducing stress and avoiding
alcohol and illegal drugs.

Information contained in this document is taken from the references listed. It is developed for use by the
general public and is not intended as medical/clinical advice or treatment.
If you feel you may have
symptoms of Panic Disorder, you should consult your doctor or behavioral health professional.
Only your
healthcare practitioner can make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment plan. Any references in this material
to other organizations or companies, including their Web sites, is not an endorsement or warranty of
services, information or products provided by those organizations or companies. For more information about
your behavioral health benefits, call the member services or behavioral health telephone number listed on
your
healthcare
identification
card.
© 2003 CIGNA Behavioral Health