Review
If you’ve ever felt gripped by sudden anxiety, avoided situations because of fear, or been caught off guard by the physical rush of a panic attack, When Panic Attacks by Dr. David Burns is a book I recommend wholeheartedly.
Dr. Burns is a pioneer in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and in this book he offers more than 40 practical, drug-free techniques to help readers overcome anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks. What makes the book so valuable is that it doesn’t stop at explaining why anxiety happens—it gives you a genuine toolbox of strategies to work through it, one step at a time.
This book is especially helpful for people who struggle with worry, fear, or panic and want concrete, hands-on tools rather than abstract theory. It’s well suited to anyone considering therapy but not yet sure they’re ready, as well as those already in treatment who want practical homework to reinforce their progress.
I had the privilege of attending a four-day intensive training with Dr. Burns several years ago, and I came away deeply impressed by him as both an educator and a clinician. His techniques are straightforward, practical, and accessible, and they translate remarkably well into everyday life. Over the years I have recommended this book—along with several of his other titles—to many of my clients, and the feedback has been consistent: they return to these books again and again for the clear explanations and the exercises that genuinely work.
A few of the ideas I find most useful include:
Recognizing that anxious feelings are driven by our thoughts, not just our circumstances—and learning to identify the distorted thinking that fuels panic. Because Dr. Burns offers such a wide range of techniques, readers can experiment and discover which approaches resonate most for them, rather than relying on a single one-size-fits-all method. And perhaps most encouraging of all is the book’s central message: panic and anxiety are not permanent, and with the right tools they can be understood, challenged, and eased.
What I appreciate most is how empowering the book feels. Dr. Burns writes with warmth and compassion, and he treats readers as capable partners in their own healing. The structured, step-by-step approach makes even overwhelming feelings feel more manageable.
While no book can replace the personalized support of therapy, When Panic Attacks comes close to being a practical companion for anyone ready to face their fears. For clients working through panic disorder or general anxiety, it offers a reliable, structured path forward—and a real sense of hope.