¬ 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
¬ Call CIGNA Behavioral Health and speak with a Personal Advocate who is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
¬ Make an appointment with a behavioral health practitioner who is contracted with CIGNA Behavioral Health. Locate a practitioner online at Life Without Panic Attacks. Be sure to ask if the practitioner has training or experience in treating Panic Disorder and if he/she uses Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.
2. 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.
3. Follow your treatment plan. Even though you may be feeling better, symptoms may come back if treatment is not completed.
4. 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.
