After completion of the course you’ll be able to:

1. Describe typical features of panic disorder and list 13 diagnostic symptoms of a panic attack.
2. Complete an exercise with a client to identify sources of client’s panic disorder.
3. Describe personality traits of panic sufferers.
4. Explain how certain kinds of events are particularly likely to bring on panic attacks in individuals who are predisposed.
5. Discuss the correlation between thoughts and feelings and the timing of panic attacks.
6. Teach a client a simple, effective breathing technique to reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.
7. List physical changes produced by over breathing.
8. Explain four ways in which controlled breathing can help you eliminate panic.
9. Demonstrate controlled breathing technique.
10. Distinguish between a panic attack and an emergency response to danger.
11. Describe the two stages of a panic attack and explain how to halt a panic attack.
12. Teach a client how to “catch” a panic attack before it catches him or her.
13. List three reasons to identify triggers of panic attack.
14. Identify four common triggers for panic sensations.
15. Teach a client to challenge anxiety-producing self-talk and replace it with more realistic, more helpful self-talk for overcoming panic.
16. Ask 12 questions to challenge catastrophic self-statements that lead to full-blown panic attack.
17. Explain to a client the concept of exposure hierarchy and help the client implement it step-by-step.
18. Describe how exposure method can be used to control internal sensations.
19. Explain why medications for panic may be needed in certain situations.
20. List three classes of antidepressant medications and various specific drugs popularly used for panic disorder.
21. Describe the benefits and drawbacks of benzodiazepines in combating panic.
22. Describe eight strategies that will help a client to prevent a return of panic symptoms.