COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Supporting Children & Adults Experiencing Panic Attacks course. This program has been designed to you with the knowledge, communication skills, and psychological understanding required to recognise, respond to, and support individuals experiencing panic attacks. The course combines evidence-based approaches with trauma-informed and person-centred practices to promote safety, reassurance, and long-term wellbeing.

Panic attacks are intense episodes of fear and physical distress that can occur suddenly and without warning. This course begins with introducing the definitions and distinctions between panic attacks and general anxiety, explores the characteristics of panic disorder, and provides an overview of its prevalence within the Australian population. It highlights the importance of early recognition, appropriate support, and understanding how panic can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

The experience of panic is closely linked to the body’s stress response system. This section examines how the fight, flight, or freeze mechanism operates during moments of threat and how chronic stress can trigger or intensify panic episodes. It distinguishes normal stress and anxiety from panic attacks and explains the physiological connection between the brain and body, providing a foundation for understanding both symptoms and recovery strategies.

Panic attacks often have multiple causes and triggers. This section explores biological, psychological, and environmental contributors, including trauma, phobias, substance use, and medication side effects. It emphasises the importance of holistic assessment to identify underlying causes and develop effective, individualised support plans that address both physical and emotional needs.

Recognising the signs and symptoms of panic attacks is essential for timely intervention. This section outlines physical indicators such as rapid heartbeat, breathlessness, and dizziness, along with behavioural and emotional responses including fear of dying or losing control. It also provides guidance on distinguishing panic attacks from medical emergencies and recognising early warning signs in both children and adults.

Panic in children and adolescents often manifests differently from adults. This section explains common causes such as bullying, separation anxiety, and academic pressure, and discusses how panic can interfere with learning, social relationships, and self-esteem. It introduces communication and reassurance strategies appropriate for different developmental stages, and highlights the importance of guiding parents and caregivers to respond calmly and supportively.

Adults may experience panic attacks triggered by work stress, financial difficulties, health anxiety, or trauma. This section examines patterns of chronic anxiety and panic disorder, the influence of gender and culture on symptom presentation, and the long-term impacts on relationships, employment, and quality of life. It also considers how adult experiences differ from those of younger individuals, requiring tailored intervention approaches.

Past trauma is often an underlying factor in recurrent panic. This section explores how adverse experiences and post-traumatic stress can heighten vulnerability, and how trauma-linked panic manifests in both behavioural and physiological ways. It promotes trauma-informed care principles, emphasising empathy, predictability, and avoidance of re-traumatisation during support interventions.

Understanding the physiology of panic attacks allows professionals to respond more effectively. This section explains how the amygdala, autonomic nervous system, and hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol create the intense sensations of panic. It highlights how breathing imbalances and hyperventilation worsen symptoms, and how physiological insight can guide the use of grounding and relaxation techniques.

Immediate response is critical during a panic attack. This section provides step-by-step techniques for supporting individuals through grounding exercises, controlled breathing, and calming communication. It emphasises maintaining safety, managing environmental stressors, and providing reassurance that symptoms, while distressing, are not life-threatening.

Emotional recovery following an episode requires compassion and structured support. This section explores how to help individuals process their experience, reduce fear of recurrence, and restore daily routines. It encourages reflective practices such as journaling and mindfulness to rebuild confidence and promote long-term resilience.

Support workers and professionals play a vital role in managing panic episodes and recovery. This section clarifies scope of practice, professional boundaries, and referral processes to mental health specialists when necessary. It reinforces the importance of maintaining composure, following care plans, and working within ethical and organisational frameworks.

Effective treatment for panic disorder is multidisciplinary. This section provides an overview of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and medication options. It highlights the role of psychoeducation, peer support, and group therapy in reducing stigma and promoting self-management.

Lifestyle choices greatly influence anxiety and panic regulation. This section examines how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and relaxation practices such as yoga and breathing training contribute to wellbeing. It also discusses the importance of limiting caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol, and establishing healthy routines that reduce stress and enhance emotional stability.

Families and caregivers play a key role in supporting recovery. This section explains how to educate families about panic symptoms, encourage calm and supportive responses, and avoid reinforcing avoidance behaviours. It highlights the value of family therapy and community-based support networks to strengthen coping and understanding within the home environment.

Cultural awareness is essential in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds. This section explores how anxiety and panic are understood across different cultures, addressing stigma and barriers to help-seeking among culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It promotes culturally safe and respectful communication, including the use of interpreters and collaboration with community leaders.

Preventing recurrence is a key focus of long-term management. This section introduces relapse prevention planning, teaching individuals to recognise early warning signs, identify high-risk situations, and apply coping techniques. It emphasises resilience-building, emotional regulation, and gradual exposure strategies to help individuals regain control and confidence in their daily lives.

By the end of this course, you will have developed a solid understanding of panic attacks and their management across age groups and cultural contexts. You will be equipped with practical intervention techniques, knowledge of trauma-informed care, and strategies to support both immediate response and long-term recovery for children and adults experiencing panic attacks.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

• Defining panic attacks and distinguishing them from general anxiety
• Overview of panic disorder and related conditions
• Prevalence and demographic trends in Australia
• Importance of timely recognition and support

2. Understanding Anxiety and the Stress Response

• The body’s fight, flight, or freeze mechanism
• How chronic stress contributes to panic episodes
• Differences between normal stress, anxiety, and panic
• The physiological link between mind and body

3. Causes and Triggers of Panic Attacks

• Biological, psychological, and environmental factors
• Common triggers: health fears, trauma, phobias, or situational stress
• The role of substance use and medication
• Identifying underlying causes through holistic assessment

4. Recognising Signs and Symptoms of Panic Attacks

• Physical indicators: rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness
• Emotional and behavioural responses
• Distinguishing panic attacks from medical emergencies
• Early warning signs in children and adults

5. Panic Attacks in Children and Adolescents

• How panic presents differently in younger individuals
• Common causes: bullying, academic stress, trauma, separation anxiety
• Age-appropriate communication and reassurance
• Supporting parents and caregivers to respond effectively

6. Panic Attacks in Adults

• Common adult triggers: work stress, financial pressure, health anxiety
• Patterns in chronic anxiety and panic disorder
• Gender and cultural differences in presentation and response
• Long-term impact on relationships and daily functioning

7. The Role of Trauma and Past Experiences

• How past trauma can increase vulnerability to panic
• Recognising trauma-linked panic in clients
• Trauma-informed approaches to care and support
• Avoiding re-traumatisation during interventions

8. Physiological Understanding of Panic Attacks

• The role of the amygdala and autonomic nervous system
• Hormonal responses: adrenaline and cortisol
• How hyperventilation and oxygen imbalance intensify panic
• Using physiological knowledge to guide response strategies

9. Immediate Response and Grounding Techniques

• Steps to take during an active panic attack
• Grounding and breathing exercises
• Calming communication and reassurance techniques
• Maintaining safety and reducing environmental stressors

10. Supporting Emotional Recovery After an Episode

• Helping individuals process the experience
• Reducing fear of recurrence
• Encouraging journaling, mindfulness, and reflection
• Restoring routine and confidence

11. Professional and Support Worker Roles

• Understanding scope of practice and boundaries
• When to refer to psychologists, counsellors, or medical professionals
• Working within care and education frameworks
• Maintaining calm and professional composure

12. Psychological Treatment and Support Options

• Overview of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for panic disorder
• Exposure and desensitisation therapy principles
• Medication management
• Role of psychosocial education and group support

13. Lifestyle and Self-Management Strategies

• The role of diet, sleep, and physical activity
• Relaxation, yoga, and breathing techniques
• Reducing caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol
• Creating sustainable daily routines

14. Supporting Families and Carers

• Educating family members about panic and anxiety
• Encouraging calm responses and reassurance
• Avoiding overprotection or reinforcement of fear
• Accessing family therapy or support services

15. Cultural and Community Considerations

• Cultural perceptions of anxiety and panic
• Addressing stigma in CALD and Indigenous communities
• Working effectively with interpreters and community leaders
• Ensuring culturally safe practice in communication and care

16. Preventing Panic Recurrence

• Identifying high-risk situations and early triggers
• Relapse prevention planning
• Encouraging resilience and emotional regulation skills
• Building confidence through gradual exposure

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.