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A 3-day course for 6-16 people.
Download printable Microsoft Word information Sheet
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Background:
Panic is an intensely distressing disorder for the sufferer, which few people can imagine unless they have experienced it themselves. Characterised by symptoms such as blurred vision, an inability to breathe, dizziness, a feeling of being unable to control oneself, it is quite different from the everyday use of the word 'panic'. Frequently it leads to a feeling that one must not venture far from 'safety' and so there is often associated agoraphobia which may persist even when the panic disorder itself has been successfully treated. Panic is traditionally a disorder that is very difficult to treat, but the latest thinking described here enables therapists to treat panic with a good degree of success.
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The aims of the course:
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.
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The course covers the following:
• 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.
• Clarke's 1986 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: NICE guidelines including 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 development
thereof of 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.
Course Methods include lecture, group discussion, and video and practical exercises. A comprehensive workbook is included for all delegates.
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Download printable Microsoft Word information Sheet
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A 2-day course. We bring the training to you and up to 16 people can attend for an all-inclusive fee of £2,950 plus VAT.
• Also available online (via the web), open (you come to us), or blended (onsite and online)
Target Training Day also available on this topic – see Targeted Training Days.
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