Psychoeducation on panic and its treatment

Psychoeducation is a critical component and often the first step in the treatment of Panic Disorder.

It involves providing the individual with clear, accurate, and understandable information about the nature of panic attacks, the disorder itself, the fear cycle, and the rationale for treatment.

Understanding the Nature of Panic Attacks

It is crucial for the individual to understand that panic attacks, although extremely unpleasant and frightening, are not inherently dangerous.

They are an exaggeration of the body's normal "fight or flight" response, a false alarm from the threat system.

It is explained that the physical symptoms experienced (palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness) are manifestations of this physiological activation and do not indicate an impending serious medical illness (such as a heart attack or stroke), as long as organic causes have been ruled out.

The Fear Cycle Fear of Fear

The person is helped to understand the "vicious cycle of panic" or "fear of fear": how catastrophic interpretation of initial physical sensations leads to increased anxiety, which in turn intensifies the physical sensations, creating a spiral that can culminate in a full-blown panic attack.

The role of anticipatory anxiety (the constant worry about having another attack) and avoidance and safety behaviors in maintaining the disorder is also explained.

Rationale for Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment

The treatment model, usually Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is presented, explaining its components and how they address different aspects of the disorder:

• Cognitive Restructuring: To identify and modify catastrophic interpretations.

• Exposition Interoceptive: To reduce the fear of one's own physical sensations.

• In-Live Exposure: To confront and overcome avoidance of feared situations.