Panic disorder

Question 1

What is the Clark’s theory of panic disorder?

Answer 1

The Clark’s theory of panic proposes that panic attacks are caused by catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations.

This theory suggests that individuals experiencing panic attacks tend to misinterpret normal bodily sensations (such as increased heart rate, dizziness, sweating, etc.) as catastrophic events, often believing these sensations to be indicative of a serious medical emergency or impending danger.

Question 2

What do people with panic disorder experience?

Answer 2

Panic attacks - periods of intense fear and physical discomfort (palpitations, sweating, hyperventilation, dizziness, shortness of breath, feeling of going crazy, etc.)

Question 3

Types of panic attacks

Answer 3

• Unexpected (uncued)
• Situationally-bound (cued)
• Situationally predisposed (not 100% when being in that situation)

Question 4

What is the typical onset age for panic disorder?

Answer 4

Around 20 or early 20s, it is also possible around mid-30s. A later onset is quite rare.

Question 5

Anxiety sensitivity theory

Answer 5

People with panic
disorder tend to interpret cognitive and somatic manifestations of stress and anxiety in a catastrophic manner.

They
are thought to have a hypersensitive “suffocation” mechanism, so that they feel as though they cannot breathe, even
though others would feel nothing unusual in the situation.

Question 6

Relaxation training

Answer 6

Gradual tensing and relaxation of all muscles in the body.

Question 7

Exposure therapy

Answer 7

Gradual exposure to more stressful (panic-related) environments to overcome the fear of such environments.