Psychoeducation about Anxiety, Fear, and the Role of Exposure

Abstract

Chapter 10 is an accessible primer on the human alarm system and an introduction to exposure therapy. This general resource should be read by clinicians as an overall summary and may also be used as a patient handout as part of the psychoeducation phase of treatment. The handout discusses the alarm system as it related to worry, anxiety, and panic. Definitions are provided to differentiate between stress, worry, anxiety, and fear/panic. The handout also clarifies true versus false alarms and anxiety versus an anxiety disorder. Finally, a clear overview of exposure therapy is provided. The authors frequently suggest patients read this handout several times to overlearn the material such that it will be readily accessible even during times of high anxiety.