What is the first-line treatment for acute panic disorder?

The first-line treatment for acute panic disorder often involves the use of benzodiazepines. These medications are effective for providing rapid relief from acute symptoms of panic attacks because they act quickly on the nervous system to reduce anxiety and promote a calming effect. They can be particularly useful for patients who are experiencing severe distress from a panic attack and require immediate alleviation of symptoms.

While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for the longer-term management of panic disorder and anxiety due to their effectiveness in preventing future panic attacks, they typically take several weeks to show noticeable effects. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is also an effective treatment option, particularly for long-term outcomes, but it requires time and commitment from the patient and is not as immediate in alleviating acute panic symptoms. Beta-blockers might help with physical symptoms associated with panic attacks, such as palpitations, but they don't directly address the psychological components of panic disorder.

Therefore, benzodiazepines serve as an appropriate first-line choice for immediate management of acute panic disorder symptoms, making them the most suitable option in this context.