The PMHNP diagnoses a 25-year-old woman with generalized anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Terrified by the panic attacks, she requests medication, saying, “I need something to control them immediately.” The patient is otherwise fit and healthy and has no history of substance abuse or dependence. Which of the following strategies would be reasonable?

Choice A reason: Starting alprazolam alone may provide rapid relief but risks dependence and does not address long-term management. Choice B reason: Correct. SSRIs provide long-term management, while short-term low-dose benzodiazepines can reduce acute anxiety. Combined with psychotherapy, this strategy balances safety and efficacy. Choice C reason: Starting an SSRI alone provides long-term benefit but does not address immediate panic symptoms, which the patient is requesting. Choice D reason: Psychotherapy alone is beneficial, but medication may be necessary for immediate symptom relief in severe panic attacks.