Don't Panic Third Edition: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks

by Reid Wilson PhD

Overview

A leading international expert in panic and anxiety disorders, psychologist R. Reid Wilson, Ph.D., offers a straightforward, and remarkably effective self-help program for overcoming panic and coping with anxious fears.

Don’t Panic has established itself as the definitive book on learning how to overcome panic and anxiety. This revised and expanded third edition offers readers 50 pages of new material supported by the latest research in anxiety treatment. Updated topics include the use of medication, physical causes of panic-like symptoms, and panic associated with major health problems such as heart and lung disorders, as well as depression.

With insight and compassion, Dr. Wilson shows you:

• how a panic attack happens
• a detailed five-step strategy for controlling the moment of panic
• how to master specific problem solving skills, breathing exercises, and focused thinking during anxiety provoking times
• eleven ways to control the chronic muscle tensions that increase anxiety
• techniques to master the two most common distresses: fear of flying and social anxiety
• the most comprehensive evaluation of all medications currently recommended for anxiety disorders
• the eight attitudes that promote recovery from anxiety disorders
• how to establish reachable goals and gradually increase your involvement and enjoyment in life

More than 19 million Americans suffer from anxiety. It is one of the most treatable disorders, but only about one-third of sufferers ever receive treatment. Don't Panic offers helpful information and strategies for those struggling to cope.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780061582448
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/27/2009
Edition description:	Third
Pages:	432
Sales rank:	200,916
Product dimensions:	5.31(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.97(d)

About the Author

Psychologist Reid Wilson, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized specialist in the treatment of panic and anxiety disorders and the coauthor of Stop Obsessing: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions. He is in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is an associate clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Foreword Judith S. Beck Aaron T. Beck xi

Part I Identifying the Problem

1 Introduction: The Panic Attack 3

2 Physical Causes of Paniclike Symptoms 13

3 Panic within Psychological Disorders 36

4 Agoraphobia and the Panic-Prone Personality 52

5 Four Complicating Problems 96

6 Panic in the Context of Heart and Lung Disorders 113

Part II The Nature of Anxiety Attacks

7 The Anatomy of Panic 129

8 Who's in Control? 147

9 Why the Body Reacts 157

Part III Don't Panic Live: Your Moment-by-Moment Strategies

10 Grab a New Attitude 167

11 Experience: The Greatest Teacher 202

12 Look for More 218

13 Stand without Crutches 229

14 Talk to Panic 240

Part IV Support When You Need It

15 Your Mind's Observer 259

16 Find Your Observer 276

17 Take a New Stance: Your Supportive Observer 310

18 Take the Hit 338

19 Face Panic 347

20 The Use of Medications 373

Resources 399

Index 401