Overcoming Panic : A Self-Help Guide Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

by Silove, Derrick; Manicavasagar, Vijaya

• ISBN13: 9780814797938
• ISBN10: 0814797938
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-06-01
• Publisher: New York University Press

Summary

It is common to become anxious in situations such as job interviews, exams, or a public speaking engagement. For some, however, anxiety symptoms become so severe and persistent that they become disabling. In some cases people develop episodes of sudden and intense anxiety, known as panic attacks, with physical symptoms so severe that they may be mistaken for heart disease or a stroke. Some sufferers begin to avoid situations they believe will cause them stress, to the point that they become fearful of restaurants or supermarkets, or even of leaving their homes.Overcoming Panic has been developed as a self-help guide for overcoming and preventing panic attacks and associated agoraphobia. Based on the clinically proven techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy, this step-by-step management program will be indispensable for those affected, as well as their families and friends, psychologists, and those in the medical profession.

Author Biography

Derrick Silove is a practicing clinical psychiatrist and Director of the Psychiatry Research and Teaching Unit, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
PART ONE: About Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia	1	(42)
Prologue: `A Day in My Life'	3	(2)
What are Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia?	5	(7)
How Do Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Affect People's Lives?	12	(4)
What Causes Panic and Agoraphobia?	16	(14)
How Can Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia Be Treated?	30	(8)
A Short Technical Note	38	(5)
PART TWO: Dealing with Panic Attacks: A Self-Help Manual	43	(83)
Introduction	45	(14)
Recognizing When You Are Anxious and Identifying Panic Triggers	59	(10)
Changing Lifestyle Factors that Contribute to Panic Attacks	69	(13)
Controlling Panic Attacks	82	(7)
Changing Unhelpful Thinking Styles	89	(12)
Dealing with Physical Sensations	101	(7)
Overcoming Agoraphobia and Troubleshooting Problem Areas	108	(18)
Preventing Setbacks	120	(6)
A Note on Depression	126	(2)
A Final Note	128	(1)
Useful Books	129	(2)
Useful Addresses	131	(6)
Index	137	(8)
Extra Monitoring Sheets	145