When anxiety attacks: treating hyperventilation and panic.

Abstract

The athlete who panics or hyperventilates requires immediate stabilization and assessment to rule out more serious diagnoses. Repeated attacks may indicate panic disorder, which can be treated effectively with a combination of psychological and pharmacologic therapy. Drug options include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.