What Happens If a Treatment for Panic Disorder Doesn’t Work?

If you have attempted one treatment option, and it has not managed the condition well, the health-care professional should talk about whether to consider another kind of treatment. For example, if you have managed with medication, they may provide psychological treatment or self-help.

If you have managed with any two treatment options (two of medication, psychological treatment, or bibliotherapy), and you are still having considerable symptoms, they should talk about whether you want to have a specialist appointment.


Specialist management

Your health-care professional will assist you to have an appointment for specialist care. You may meet with a psychiatric nurse, a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, a social worker, or an occupational therapist in specialist management. The specialist may provide psychological treatment and/or medication to solve your problem.

They should ask,

• About previous management, including whether it helped you and whether your compliance was good.

• About other conditions and diseases, you have.

• Whether you smoke and whether you use caffeine, alcohol, or other drugs.

• How much your condition is affecting your daily life.

• About factors and things in your life, which may aggravate or relieve the panic disorder.

• About family and social support

Then, your specialist should talk about the treatment options with you and come to an agreement regarding the management plan. This may consist of any of the following:

• Psychological management like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), if CBT has not been provided previously, or a treatment called structured problem solving. If it is difficult for you to visit the clinic, you may be asked to do CBT at your home.

• Medications apart from those you have taken previously.

• Treatment of other illnesses and conditions, which may be affecting your panic disorder.

• Referral to highly specialised solutions

Related Links:

What Is Panic Disorder?
Planning the Management of Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder: Psychological Management
Panic Disorder: Pharmacological Management
Panic Disorder: Self-help
Panic Disorder: Information for Carers and Patient’s Questions
What Is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?