Learning Objectives
After completion of the course you’ll be able to:
- Describe typical features of panic disorder and list 13 diagnostic symptoms of a panic attack.
- Complete an exercise with a client to identify sources of client’s panic disorder.
- Describe personality traits of panic sufferers.
- Explain how certain kinds of events are particularly likely to bring on panic attacks in individuals who are predisposed.
- Discuss the correlation between thoughts and feelings and the timing of panic attacks.
- Teach a client a simple, effective breathing technique to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.
- List physical changes produced by over-breathing.
- Explain four ways in which controlled breathing can help you eliminate panic.
- Demonstrate controlled breathing technique.
- Distinguish between a panic attack and an emergency response to danger.
- Describe the two stages of a panic attack and explain how to halt a panic attack.
- Teach a client how to “catch” a panic attack before it catches him or her.
- List three reasons to identify triggers of panic attack.
- Identify four common triggers for panic sensations.
- Teach a client to challenge anxiety-producing self-talk and replace it with more realistic, more helpful self-talk for overcoming panic.
- Ask 12 questions to challenge catastrophic self-statements that lead to full-blown panic attack.
- Explain to a client the concept of exposure hierarchy and help the client implement it step-by-step.
- Describe how exposure method can be used to control internal sensations.
- Explain why medications for panic may be needed in certain situations.
- List three classes of antidepressant medications and various specific drugs popularly used for panic disorder.
- Describe the benefits and drawbacks of benzodiazepines in combating panic.
- Describe eight strategies that will help a client to prevent a return of panic symptoms.
To assess the effectiveness of the course material, we ask that you evaluate your achievement of each learning objective on a scale of A to D (A=excellent, B=good, C=fair, D=unsatisfactory). Please indicate your responses next to each learning objective and return it to us with your completed exam.
Table of Contents
“First Aids” for Panic
Introduction: What’s In Store – And Is It For Me?
Session 1: What Is Panic?
Session 2: The Roots of Panic: Why Me?
Session 3: Panic and Personality
Session 4: The Timing of Panic: Why Now?
Session 5: Take a Deep Breath…
Session 6: When Panic Hits
Session 7: The Triggers of Panic
Session 8: Challenging Catastrophic Beliefs
Session 9: Taking Back Your Life
Session 10: Internal Affairs
Session 11: The Question of Medications
Session 12: Where Have You Been? Where Are You Going?
Special Section: Everyday Anxieties
Appendix I: Relaxation Techniques
Appendix II: Troubleshooting: Controlled Breathing
Appendix III: Troubleshooting: Exposure
Appendix IV: Troubleshooting: Unsatisfying Outcomes
Appendix V: Reference Notes
Appendix VI: Record – Keeping Forms
Index
Comments
“I enjoyed the book – easy to read with helpful material.” – J.C., LPC, LMHC, FL
“This coursework sharpened my understanding of panic attacks. This topic generated lots of discussion among the female faculty in the lunchroom. Varying degrees of this condition are a lot more prevalent than I would have suspected!” – M.H.M., LSW, PA
“One of the best I have read! Wonderful! Clear, informative – would recommend books to my friends.” – J.K.S., LCSW, VA