Question

Using psychodynamic theory, which intervention would be appropriate for a client diagnosed with panic disorder?

1) Encourage the client to evaluate the power of distorted thinking.
2) Ask the client to include his or her family in scheduled therapy sessions.
3) Discuss the overuse of ego defense mechanisms and their impact on anxiety.
4) Teach the client about the effect of blood lactate level as it relates to the client's panic attacks.

Answer 1

A psychodynamic therapist would help a client with panic disorder by discussing the overuse of ego defense mechanisms and their impact on anxiety.

Step-by-step explanation:

Using psychodynamic theory, an appropriate intervention for a client diagnosed with panic disorder would be to discuss the overuse of ego defense mechanisms and their impact on anxiety. According to Freud, anxiety results from conflicts among the id, ego, and superego. When the ego cannot mediate these conflicts effectively, it employs defense mechanisms to protect the individual and reduce anxiety. In the context of panic disorder, these defense mechanisms may become overused, leading to increased anxiety rather than alleviating it. A psychodynamic therapist would seek to help the client become aware of and understand these unconscious processes, thereby reducing their reliance on unhelpful defense mechanisms and the associated anxiety.