Week 5 - Panic Disorders & Ag

Explain the cognitive model in ragards to panic

• Crucial component in the mechanism involved in acute PA is the catastrophic interpretation of bodily sensations

• Which results in further anxiety-induced sensations which augment the catastrophic interpetation

• Continues in a cycle #Transient changes ion cognitions should also be influential

What does the cognitive model predict about bodily sensations

Whether arising from hyperventilation or another source depends on the interpretation made - she not have to be negative

Without negative interpretation panic would NOT occur

Interpretations are the mediating factor

What does panic appraisal consist of?

1- The perceived likelihood of panic occurrence

The perceived negative consequences

The perceived efficacy in panic coping

• Predictors of agoraphobic avoidance

What is panic.related apprehension referred to?

Worrying about the next panic attack and the perceived consequences is a key factor in developing PD

What is anxiety sensitivity

Cognitive factor in the development of pD

• The fear of benign bodily sensations which are cause by anxiety (fear of fear)

• Trait that remains stable and a vulnerability factor

What preclames the onset of PD

Life events (and stress)

Childhood experiences of sexual, physical and/or emotional abuse

Give a classical conditioning example

The occurrence of one symptom (heart palpitations - CS) leads automatically to the other (I will have a heart attack US) which provokes a full panic attack (and agoraphobia) because here PA are correlated with certain situation which leat to more panic symptoms leading to a situational.bound panic attack

Explain the maintenance of AD & PD and agoraphobia

Operant conditioning - when leaving the feared stimulus leads to rewards (avoidance)

• Panic appraisal for development & Maintenance of PD and anxiety sensitivity

• Anxiety sensitivity predicts spontaneous PA

What is the treatment for PD & Agoraphobia

1. Psychoeducation about nature and cause of panic

2. Cognitive restructuring

3. Exposure

   • In vivo for agoraphobia

   • Interoceptive for bodily sensations

Cognitive restricturing in panic Aim:

What thoughts and misinterpretations they experience along with the PA

• They often come along with negative emotion which in turn can strengthen the symptoms - vicious circle of panic