• An existing system that attempts to prevent panic attacks is cognitive behavioural therapy [1]. Cognitive behavioural therapy seeks to help patients react and respond to panic attacks more effectively, by teaching them to be more aware and conscious of how their mind and body behaves during a panic attack. However, there are a number of shortcomings of cognitive behavioural therapy. Cognitive behavioural therapy is generally for people who have extensive experience with panic attacks or panic disorders, and it can also be costly, with therapy sessions costing potentially hundreds of dollars. Cognitive behavioural therapy generally will not be used by people who have not experienced a panic attack before, and only really applies to extreme cases.
• Benzodiazepines are a group of drugs that includes Xanax, which are extremely effective at blocking anxiety and panic attacks overall [2]. Benzodiazepines act to slow down brain and nervous system activity, and basically prevent any chance of a panic attack from happening. However, patients can become addicted or dependent on these drugs, which is why they are available by prescription only. Benzodiazepines are only provided as a short-term solution for extreme cases of anxiety and panic disorders, and can have dangerous side-effects, especially when mixed with other medication [3].
• There exist several crisis support and mental health services in Waterloo that serve to assist victims of panic attacks and panic disorders. Examples of these include the Crisis Services of Waterloo Region and the Canadian Mental Health Association and Self-Help Alliance, amongst others [4]. These hotlines and services exist to provide live assistance, advice and counselling to victims. These services can be helpful and educational for anybody struggling with mental health issues. A downside of crisis support and mental health services is their effectiveness and reputation. Most people do not know about these free services, and others choose not to use them, believing that it will waste their time. Additionally, the services are not specific or targeted specifically towards panic attacks or panic disorders, and therefore may not be the most effective choice.

[1] National Institute of Mental Health, "Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms," National Institute of Mental Health, Mar. 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/panic-disorder-when-fear-overwhelms

[2] Mayo Clinic, "Panic attacks and panic disorder: Diagnosis and treatment," Mayo Clinic, Aug. 22, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/panic-attacks/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376027

[3] Cleveland Clinic, "Benzodiazepines (Benzos)," Cleveland Clinic, Jun. 5, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24570-benzodiazepines-benzos

[4] FACS Waterloo, "Crisis Support and Mental Health Services," FACS Waterloo, [Online]. Available: https://www.facswaterloo.org/crisis-support-and-mental-health-services