PAGE CONTENTS
(1) Authoritative online information
(2) Recommended books
(3) A brief description of Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
(4) Videos
(1) Authoritative online information
HelpGuide.org: Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder
(2) Recommended books
Currently, my top recommendation is the book by David Carbonell. There is a well done free alternative available online that has been produced by the Centre for Clinical Interventions called Panic Stations. The book by Tompkins is an excellent choice for someone who meets criteria for more than one anxiety disorder (e.g., Panic Disorder and/or GAD, Phobia, Social Anxiety), or for someone who has problems with panic but does not meet full criteria for Panic Disorder.
Carbonell, David. (2022). The panic attacks workbook, 2nd Ed. Ulysses Press.
Centre for Clinical Interventions: When panic attacks. Available online for free. https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/Resources/Looking-After-Yourself/Panic
Tompkins, M. A. (2013). Anxiety and avoidance: A universal treatment for anxiety, panic, and fear. New Harbinger. [Amazon]
(3) A brief description of Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia
Panic Disorder: Panic Disorder is characterized by (A) recurrent unexpected panic attacks and (B) at least one of the attacks has been followed by 1 month (or more) of one (or more) of the following: (1) a persistent concern about having additional attacks, (2) worry about the implications of the attack or its consequences (e.g., losing control, having a heart attack, "going crazy"), or (3) a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
A panic attack is defined as an abrupt surge of intense fear or intense discomfort that reaches a peak within minutes, and during which time 4 (or more of the following symptoms occur: palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; sweating; trembling or shaking; sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; feeling of choking; chest pain or discomfort; nausea or abdominal distress; feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint; derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); fear of losing control or going crazy; fear of dying; numbness or tingling sensations; and/or chills or hot flushes.
Agoraphobia: Agoraphobia is a condition that frequently develops as a result of Panic Disorder, although it can also occur in people who do not meet the full criteria for Panic Disorder. It is characterized by: (A) Anxiety about being in places or situations from which escape might be difficult (or embarrassing) or in which help may not be available in the event of having a panic attack or panic-like symptoms, and (B) the situations are avoided or else are endured with marked distress, or require the presence of a companion.
(4) Questionnaire
Screening questionnaire for Panic Disorder (from the Anxiety & Depression Association of America)
(5) Videos
(1) The Panic Trick, part 1 (6:39)
(2) The Panic Trick, part 2 (3:38)
(3) How the trick begins: A first panic attack (4:08)
(4) Solving the puzzle of Panic Disorder: The keys to success (3:41)
(5) Deep breathing exercise (6:31)
Steven Hayes, PhD
Psychological flexibility: How love turns pain into purpose (Length: 19:39)
How to deal with a panic attack (Length: 3:22)
Additional resources
Reid Wilson, PhD: https://anxieties.com
Facing Panic: Self-Help for People with Panic Attacks - 2nd Edition (2019): https://www.amazon.com/Facing-Panic-Self-Help-People-Attacks/dp/0935943056. 86 PAGES; https://adaa.org/facing-panic
Wilson, Reid. (2009). Don't panic: Taking control of anxiety attacks. https://www.dontpaniclive.com
Anxiety medications: https://anxieties.com/self-help-resources/anxiety-medications