This indispensable volume in the Advances in Psychotherapy series has been meticulously crafted to address the nuances of diagnosing, assessing, and treating panic disorder and agoraphobia, using the latest interventions derived from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Designed as a brief but comprehensive resource for treatment providers at all levels, this book gives a description of panic disorder and agoraphobia, reviews well-established, empirically derived theories and models, and guides readers through the diagnostic and treatment decision-making process before outlining a detailed 12-session treatment. Each chapter offers practical guidance, specialized insights, and adaptable strategies to tailor the treatment to individual patients. The step-by-step approach, detailed case vignette, and worksheets will enable practitioners to feel confident and competent in empowering clients to overcome their often debilitating fears and reclaim their lives. This is an ideal text for clinical psychologists, other mental health professionals, and students.

Table of Contents:
Description 1.1 Terminology 1.2 Definition 1.3 Epidemiology 1.4 Course and Prognosis 1.5 Differential Diagnosis 1.5.1 Other Specified Anxiety Disorders or Unspecified Anxiety Disorder 1.5.2 Anxiety Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition 1.5.3 Substance- or Medication-Induced Anxiety Disorder 1.5.4 Other Mental Disorders With Panic Attacks as an Associated Feature 1.5.5 Illness Anxiety Disorder 1.5.6 Specific Phobia, Situational Type 1.5.7 Separation Anxiety Disorder 1.5.8 Social Anxiety Disorder 1.5.9 Panic Disorder 1.5.10 Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD 1.5.11 Major Depressive Disorder 1.5.12 Other Medical Conditions 1.6 Comorbidities 1.7 Diagnostic Procedures and Documentation 1.7.1 Structured and Semi-Structured Diagnostic Interviews 1.7.2 Routine Outcome Monitoring 2 Theories and Models 2.1 The Cognitive Model 2.2 The Behavioral Model 3 Diagnosis and Treatment Indications 3.1 Diagnostic Assessment 3.2 Treatment Indications 3.2.1 Empirically Supported Treatments for Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia 3.3 Factors That Influence Treatment Decisions 3.3.1 Age 3.3.2 Gender 3.3.3 Race 3.3.4 Educational Level 3.3.5 Individual Preference 3.3.6 Social Support 3.3.7 Clinical Presentation and Comorbidity 3.3.8 Insight and Motivation 3.3.9 Patient’s Treatment History 4 Treatment 4.1 The Diagnostic Assessment 4.2 Methods of Treatment 4.2.1 Presentation of the Principles of CBT and General Model of CBT 4.2.2 Presentation of the CBT Models of Panic 4.2.3 Tailoring the Cognitive and Behavioral Models of Panic to the Patient Through the Use of a Functional Assessment 4.2.4 Assessing Panic-Related Stimuli 4.2.5 Internal Triggers: Somatic Sensations and Cognitive Symptoms 4.2.6 External Triggers: Situations and Activities 4.2.7 Assessing Cognitive Features 4.2.8 Assessing Behavioral Features 4.2.9 Self-Monitoring 4.2.10 Psychoeducation 4.2.11 Normalizing Panic Attacks 4.2.12 The Role of Dysfunctional Interpretations in Panic Disorder 4.2.13 The Role of Avoidance and Safety-Seeking Behaviors in Maintaining Panic Disorder 4.2.14 Presenting the Rationale for CBT 4.2.15 Using Cognitive Therapy Techniques 4.2.16 What Is the Role of Cognitive Therapy in CBT for Panic Disorder? 4.2.17 Using Cognitive Restructuring to Correct Cognitive Errors and/or Distortions 4.2.18 A Note on Intolerance of Uncertainty 4.2.19 Common Cognitive Errors in Panic: Probability Overestimation, Catastrophizing, and Underestimating of Ability to Cope 4.2.20 Planning for Interoceptive and In Vivo Exposure 4.2.21 Building the Fear Hierarchy for Interoceptive Exposure 4.2.22 Carrying Out Interoceptive Exposure Exercises 4.2.23 In Vivo Exposure 4.2.24 Implementing Exposure: Providing the Rationale to the Patient 4.2.25 Conducting Exposure to the Most Distressing Stimuli 4.2.26 The Power of Praise – and the Risks of Reassurance 4.2.27 Humor: Helpful or Hurtful? 4.2.28 Exposure for the Therapist 4.2.29 Booster Sessions 4.3 Mechanisms of Action 4.4 Efficacy and Prognosis 4.5 Variations and Combinations of Methods 4.5.1 Variants of CBT Treatment Procedures 4.5.2 CBT and Medications 4.6 Problems in Carrying out the Treatment 4.6.1 Organization of Suitable Treatment Settings or Preconditions 4.6.2 Negative Reactions to Psychological Interventions and the CBT Model 4.6.3 Resistance and Other Issues With Patient Motivation and Commitment 4.6.4 Therapist’s Discomfort When Conducting Exposure Exercises 4.6.5 Therapist’s Need to Provide Certainty 4.6.6 Problems in the Patient–Therapist Working Alliance 4.6.7 Cognitive Therapy Techniques and Somatic Skills That Become Safety Behaviors 4.6.8 Unbearable Anxiety Levels During Exposure 4.6.9 Absence of Anxiety During Exposure 4.7 Diversity Issues 5 Case Vignettes 6 Further Reading 7 References 8 Appendix: Tools and Resources