Monitoring
Monitor for the potential return of panic attacks and avoidance behavior over the long term in the general practice setting.
Pharmacotherapy for panic disorder should be continued for at least 1 year from the point of treatment response, to help ensure symptom reduction and protection against relapse.[147] Relapse rates can be common after discontinuing medication and psychotherapy. Due to a significant rate of relapse, ensure that the patient attains maximal functioning prior to discontinuation of medications.[170][173]
Periodic follow-up visits to monitor longer-term progress may allow the physician an opportunity to reinitiate pharmacotherapy if indicated. Maintenance antidepressants and booster cognitive behavioral therapy sessions may be indicated to offset relapse across time.
Panic attacks are common to other anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders, and thus additional screening for these conditions is recommended.
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