This seems like a very serious condition. Can it be treated?

Panic disorder is eminently treatable with 70% to 90% of people experiencing relief from symptoms. It is treated with medications, with cognitive/behavioral therapy or a combination of both. Medication is usually the SSRI class of anti-depressants or sometimes an anti-anxiety agent like Xanax. Therapy focuses on the self talk the person is giving herself and also gradually exposes her to panic causing events. For example, thinking about taking an elevator, then looking at a real elevator, then taking it up one floor and so on.