Internet culture has made different types of neurodivergence—particularly anxiety—more visible than it has ever been. Michael W. Clune, author of White Out, offers an account of how difficult it was to understand what a panic attack was before mental illness was instantly diagnosable with Dr. Google. More remarkably, his essay eloquently and accurately expresses what the experience of a panic attack is like. He speaks about the process of writing this memoir, discovering Oscar Wilde’s Salome, and creating types of narratives about anxiety.

Read Clune’s memoir: https://harpers.org/archive/2023/05/the-anatomy-of-panic/

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Panic Attack

Dr. Zendia Driver is the Executive Director for Sunrise Community of Pennsylvania. She is a life-long student of human behavior and social interaction with over 15 years of experience as an accomplished trainer, professional speaker, and supervisor in the field of human services. She joins Carol in their weekly mental health segment to talk about navigating anxiety disorders.

Love & Life | Dr. Zenida Driver - 7.20.23

DOI: 10.13056/acamh.26252
https://doi.org/10.13056/acamh.26252

In this Papers Podcast, Lottie Shipp discusses her JCPP Advances paper ‘The relationship between dissociation and panic symptoms in adolescence and the exploration of potential mediators’ (https://doi.org/10.1002/jcv2.12202). Lottie is the lead author of the paper.

There is an overview of the paper, methodology, key findings, and implications for practice.

Discussion points include:

- Definition of ‘dissociation’ and insight into the subtype ‘felt sense of anomaly dissociation’.
- The difference between ‘cognitive reappraisal strategies’ and ‘cognitive appraisal of dissociation’.
- How common panic disorders are and the impact of panic symptoms in young people.
- Implications of the study for researchers, clinicians, and practitioners.
- The importance of the relevance and interpretation of dissociative experiences.

In this series, we speak to authors of papers published in one of ACAMH’s three journals. These are The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry (JCPP); The Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) journal; and JCPP Advances.

The Relationship Between Dissociation and Panic Symptoms in Adolescence

Anxiety disorders occur on a spectrum and can impact children in a variety of ways. Some children may deal with low levels of apprehension, while other children develop severe and intense anxiety. While students with anxiety will benefit from the following recommendations, consider implementing them in larger groups such as classrooms or group therapy. This promotes an inclusive environment from which all learners can benefit.


1. Use structure:

Incorporate daily and weekly routines to help children learn what to expect. Post schedules in a visible area. This is especially important for older children who have rotating or complex schedules.


2. Provide a ‘just right’ challenge:

Allow students to learn and grow while building their self-confidence. Grade your activities so that they are just challenging enough to stretch the child’s learning.


3. Offer choice:

By using a topic, subject, or medium that is exciting to students, they will naturally gravitate toward engagement. Especially when an assignment or activity is new and daunting, a small piece of choice can motivate children toinitiate the task.


4. Use positive feedback:

Positive reinforcement signals to children that they are doing what is expected and can be a great way to boost the confidence of children who have anxiety. Feedback can be in the form of a token system, a smile, nod, or words of affirmation.


5. Teach challenging skills:

Sometimes, learners need extra direction. Direct instruction can be a great way to improve skills and, therefore, confidence for activities with a physical component, such as writing or playing a sport.


6. Use clear expectations:

Letting students know exactly what you expect is a great way to communicate mutual respect. Particularly when a project or activity is brand new, knowing the outcome will be helpful to children with anxiety.


7. Be flexible about participation:

Try making group participation optional. Let students know that they can contribute to the conversation when they are ready and that you will not call on them.


8. Eliminate busywork:

A child working on fractions does not need to complete 100 problems to master the skill and demonstrate competence.


9. Identify strengths:  
Use one-on-one time to reflect on past successes, strengths, passions, and skills.

10. Teach self-management: 
Another strategy that students with and without anxiety disorders can benefit from is self-management skills.  Talk about self-regulation, brainstorm symptoms of being dysregulated, develop language, and teach strategies. 

Learn more:  https://cbstherapy.com/


Ways to Support Learners with Anxiety Disorders | CBS Therapy

CBS Therapy is the premier provider of school-based and pediatric special education staffing services in the Northeast. We work with special education directors, program directors and special education program administrators to deliver highly qualified therapists and educators to address the diverse needs of the students they serve. Our therapy clinics provide pediatric speech-language, occupational and physical therapies.

These podcasts are an invaluable resource for anyone interested in child and adolescent mental health. They bridge the gap between rigorous research and practical application, featuring expert discussions on mental health. 

Each episode highlights cutting-edge studies offering insights into findings, and implications for practice. The series caters to clinicians, researchers, and those interested in mental health. 

Available on major platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, it’s an accessible way to stay informed about advancements in the field.
Visit our website (www.acamh.org) for a host of free evidence-based mental health resources.

Since 1850, Harper’s Magazine has provided its readers with a unique perspective on the issues that drive our national conversation, featuring writing from some of the most promising to most distinguished names in literature—from Barbara Ehrenreich to Rachel Kushner. Listen as Harper’s editors and contributing writers take a deep dive into these topics and the craft of long-form narrative journalism.

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New tracks tagged #anxiety disorders