Download What is Panic Disorder? - School Based Behavioral Health

Doug Kirchner
AP Psychology, Upper St. Clair H.S.
Student Objectives:
1.
Define panic disorder, and identify
its symptoms, prevalence, and
causes.
2. Describe and locate the help
available to those who suffer from
panic disorder.
3. Explain what “I” can do to help.
Warm-up:
Silently read the
following statements
on your handout.
Quick Review of Terms:
What are Anxiety Disorders?
 A category of psychological disorders
 Distressing, persistent anxiety or
maladaptive behaviors that reduce anxiety
What is the DSM-IV-TR?
 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders
What is Panic Disorder?
An anxiety disorder involving:
 Recurrent, unexpected bursts of extreme
terror, called panic attacks
Followed by at least 1 month of:
unrelenting fear of having another attack,
 worry over the attacks’ consequences, or
 considerable behavior changes to minimize
future attacks.

Who suffers from it?
Prevalence:
 Approximately
1 in 75 people
(roughly 2.4 million Americans)
 Typically
begins in older adolescence
& young adulthood (usually 18 to 24
years old)
2
out of every 3 sufferers are female
USCHS has approximately 1500
students.
Q: How many students here
could potentially suffer from
panic disorder?
A: 20 students
How is disorder first identified?
 The
person experiences repeated,
unexpected panic attacks

Defined by the DSM-IV-TR as a “discrete
period of intense fear or discomfort, in which
FOUR (or more) of the following symptoms
developed abruptly and reached a peak
within 10 minutes:”
 See
handout to identify the symptoms
What could happen w/o treatment?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Avoidance behaviors
Agoraphobia
Depression
Drug and/or alcohol abuse
Suicide
Think-Pair-Share 1
#1s
#2s
#3s
Biological Behaviorist Cognitive
Perspective Perspective Perspective
See handout for directions
Biological Factors
1.
Vulnerability to panic
disorder tends to run in
families.

Twin studies: Higher
concordance rates among
identical twins
Biological Factors
2.
Possible imbalance of
neurotransmitters involved in
arousal
 Serotonin & Norepinephrine
Smokers have a fourfold risk
of a 1st-time panic attack.
Why?
Environmental Factors
1.
2.
Major life transitions
Stimulus generalization


1st attack occurs in one location
Fear another attack in similar
locations
Environmental Factors
3.
Learned helplessness
increases fear
4.
Maintained by negative
reinforcement
Excessive focus on potential
threats (Cognitive)
5.
Bio-Psycho-Social Factors
Increased vulnerability/biological
imbalances 
Major life transition/stress 
Panic Attack 
Subsequent fear of/focus on
future attacks
Think-Pair-Share 2
How might the problem
affect school life?



Test/performance anxiety
Poor academic
performance
Avoidance of school
entirely
Legal safeguards in PA
Students with panic disorder are
protected by a:
Section 504 Service Agreement
Not an “Individualized Education
Program” (IEP)
 Right to receive specific aids, services,
or accommodations

What WE can do to help
Brainstorm a list of possibilities with
your partner.
Some suggestions:
 Talk with them about possible triggers.
 Stand near them in stressful situations
(e.g. speeches)
The link below will provide parents
with info about Panic Disorder
What professional help is
available? (See assignment)
1.
2.
3.
Cognitive Therapy
Behavior Therapy
Medication
Local Assistance
Mental Health Association of
Allegheny County:


A consumer advocacy group dedicated
to individuals who suffer from mental
disorders
See your attached brochure for contact
info and for the following websites.
Internet Resources
1.
American Psychological
Association: http://www.apa.org
2.
Anxiety Disorders Association
of America (ADAA):
http://www.adaa.org/
Internet Resources
3. Mental Health America:
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
4.
MentalHelp.net:
http://www.mentalhelp.net/
5.
National Institute of Mental Health
(NIMH): http://www.nimh.nih.gov/
Current Books

Facing Panic: Self-Help for People with
Panic Attacks by R. Reid Wilson, PhD

How to Help Your Loved One Recover
from Agoraphobia by Karen P. Williams

Shared Confinement: Healing Options
for You and the Agoraphobic in Your Life
by Robert C. Chope, PhD
Did You Know?

Charles Darwin began suffering from Panic
Disorder at age 28 after five years sailing
around the world!

He moved to the country, avoided social
gatherings, and traveled only with his wife

His seclusion allowed him to focus on
developing his theory of evolution
Case Study Assignment
Patient Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Parents:
Nick Tack
18
College student
(freshman)
Jen and Nick Sr.
(recently divorced)
See handout for directions
Click on the link below for a copy
of the presentation’s list of
references:
References
Contact Info
Copyright 2007, Doug Kirchner.
Please contact the author at
[email protected] or
[email protected]
if you wish to duplicate this
material.