The Nature of Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the nature of panic disorder and agoraphobia. The key features of panic disorder are (1) one or more episodes of abrupt, intense fear or discomfort (i.e., a panic attack) and (2) persistent anxiety or worry about the recurrence of panic attacks, their consequences, or life changes as a result of the attacks. Individuals with panic disorder often avoid, feel hesitant about, or feel nervous in situations where they expect panic attacks or other physical symptoms to occur. Typically, these situations are ones where one may not be able to escape or find help. Avoiding situations from which escape might be difficult or where help may be unavailable in the event of a panic attack or other physical symptoms is called agoraphobia. The chapter then outlines the typical agoraphobia situations. The kind of treatment that is described in this program is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and it is designed to educate and to teach constructive ways of coping.

Longitudinal associations between response-style strategies and abnormal eating behaviors/attitudes in adolescents: a cross-lagged panel model

“…Both the current study and that of Vanzhula et al [ 24 ] showed a significant positive effect of distraction on binge eating/purging behaviors; however, given the difference in the effect sizes, it is suggested that limited distraction from foods, rather than generalized distraction, contributes to the increase in binge eating/purging behaviors. Therefore, although several studies have argued that distraction can function as an avoidant strategy that can exacerbate levels of AEB [ 13 , 59 , 60 ], our data suggest that generalized distraction may have little effect on the severity of AEB during adolescence.…”

Scoping review of the hardware and software features of virtual reality exposure therapy for social anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and specific phobia

“…In three studies, six-degrees of freedom tracking allowed patients to move within a small area and hold on to a physical railing which was also represented virtually (Krijn et al, 2004;Whitney, 2005;Meyerbröker et al, 2018). In some studies, difficulty could be manipulated by increasing the height and/or perceived safety of the situation (Coelho et al, 2006;Graske and Barlow, 2008;de Quervain et al, 2011).…”

Precision Medicine for Breath-Focused Mind-Body Therapies for Stress and Anxiety: Are We Ready Yet?

“…17,18 In patients with anxiety or respiratory diseases, interoceptive sensations from cardiorespiratory organs including chemosensors for blood gases, can trigger panic attacks via catastrophic misappraisal or conditional fear responses. 17–21 During panic attacks, common sensations include cardiovascular, respiratory and psychological symptoms of asphyxiation, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, choking, nausea, dizziness, flushing, supported by objectively measured elevated heart rate and blood pressure, changes in breathing pattern, and exaggerated startle response. 22 For some patients, dyspnea (i.e., breathlessness) is useful as a physiological marker of anxiety as well as a treatment target using interoceptive interventions.…”