The aims of the course:
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This course aims to (a) familiarise delegates with the nature of panic disorder and associated agoraphobia, (b) to introduce delegates to the theoretical models of panic currently prevailing and (c) introduce delegates to treatment methods for panic in a way that they should be able to use subsequent to the course.


The course covers:
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•  A description of panic. 'Panic' is a word that people commonly use to mean 'sudden
   intense anxiety'. People who suffer 'panic attacks' know that what they suffer is in a
   different league from this everyday experience. The DSMIV description of panic, and
   associated agoraphobia.

•  What 'panic attacks' imply about the patient's underlying mental state (i.e. nothing).

•  Clarke's vicious circle model of panic. Subsequent variants on that model, including
   the concept of a 'short circuit' to panic.

•  The factors that maintain panic. 'Panic' tends to be intractable; without treatment it can
   persist forever. So it is important to understand the factors that maintain it: Misinterpretation
   of situations; too much attention to physical sensations; the misinterpretation of 'symptoms';
   a failure to challenge this misinterpretation; an avoidance of situations that induce panic;
   safety behaviours.

•  The treatment of panic. Fortunately the understanding and treatment of panic disorder has progressed greatly in recent years: psychological therapy, pharmacological therapy, and self help; socialising people to the cognitive model: introducing it and matching their own experience with it.

•  Modifying fearful cognitions, especially using logical evidence based reasoning.

•  The use of synthesising questions and symptom contrast.

•  Tackling the perceived inability to breathe and the apparently paradoxical role of 'deep
   breathing'.

•  Early attenders. It is worth differentiating between early and late 'attenders' - people who
   come for treatment early on or late on. Early attenders have not yet acquired the 'short
   circuit' where the fear of a panic attack can be instrumental in triggering one.

•  The cycle of panic; the role of hyperventilation, the concept of an 'amygdala hijack'. The
   role of the information sheet (provided on the course).

•  Key, stock phrases to use with early-attenders.

•  Late attenders. Late attenders have typically built up a pattern of behaviour which is
   unhelpful to resolving their panic attacks. Typically it will involve agoraphobia, avoidance,
   and safety behaviours.

•  Changing fear inducing behaviour: The use of graded exposure, and the three exposure options. Safety behaviours. Coping strategies.

•  The use of stress inoculation training in handling stressful situations and attacking
   agoraphobia.

•  The use of other CBT approaches such as imagery, distraction, reframing, and relaxation.

•  The measurement of progress: collecting evidence about progress is always a central
   tenet in CBT. Objective and subjective measures. Risk assessment.


Cost:
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£130 plus VAT

Location: United Kingdom | Change

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Fees
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Location: United Kingdom | Change
 
Cost: £130 plus VAT

APT Members, and organisations purchasing 12 or more places, receive a 25% discount. Contact us for more information.